Techniques for managing resources for uplink transmissions in a shared radio frequency spectrum band

ABSTRACT

Techniques are described for wireless communication. A first method includes identifying a first interval for an uplink transmission in a shared radio frequency spectrum band; identifying a second interval for the uplink transmission; comparing the first interval with the second interval; and determining uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission based at least in part on the comparison of the first interval with the second interval. A second method includes transmitting one or more assignments of uplink resources to use for an uplink transmission in a shared radio frequency spectrum band; detecting a duration of the uplink transmission; and identifying uplink resources used for the uplink transmission based at least in part on the detecting.

CROSS REFERENCES

The present Application for Patent claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/000,957 by Chen et al., entitled “TechniquesFor Managing Resources For Uplink Transmissions In A Shared RadioFrequency Spectrum Band,” filed May 20, 2014, assigned to the assigneehereof, and which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure, for example, relates to wireless communicationsystems, and more particularly to techniques for managing resources foruplink transmissions in a shared radio frequency spectrum band.

BACKGROUND

Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide varioustypes of communication content such as voice, video, packet data,messaging, broadcast, and so on. These systems may be multiple-accesssystems capable of supporting communication with multiple users bysharing the available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, andpower). Examples of such multiple-access systems include code-divisionmultiple access (CDMA) systems, time-division multiple access (TDMA)systems, frequency-division multiple access (FDMA) systems, andorthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) systems.

By way of example, a wireless multiple-access communication system mayinclude a number of base stations, each simultaneously supportingcommunication for multiple user equipments (UEs). A base station maycommunicate with UEs on downlink channels (e.g., for transmissions fromthe base station to the UE) and uplink channels (e.g., for transmissionsfrom the UEs to the base station).

Some modes of communication may enable communications with a UE overdifferent radio frequency spectrum bands (e.g., a licensed radiofrequency spectrum band or an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band)of a cellular network. With increasing data traffic in cellular networksthat use a licensed radio frequency spectrum band, offloading of atleast some data traffic to an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bandmay provide a cellular operator with opportunities for enhanced datatransmission capacity. Prior to gaining access to, and communicatingover, the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, a transmittingapparatus may, in some examples, perform a listen before talk (LBT)procedure to contend for access to the unlicensed radio frequencyspectrum band. An LBT procedure may include performing a clear channelassessment (CCA) to determine whether a channel of the unlicensed radiofrequency spectrum band is available. When it is determined that thechannel of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band is not available(e.g., because another device is already using the channel of theunlicensed radio frequency spectrum band), a CCA may be performed forthe channel again at a later time.

In some cases, transmissions by one or more nodes over an unlicensedradio frequency spectrum band (e.g., Wi-Fi nodes or nodes of otheroperators) may prevent a base station or UE from gaining access to theunlicensed radio frequency spectrum, resulting in the base station or UEbeing “starved” of use of the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band.In some cases, this starvation problem may be mitigated by using an LBTprotocol configured for load based equipment (LBT-LBE) instead of an LBTprotocol configured for frame based equipment (LBT-FBE). In an LBT-LBEprotocol, an extended CCA procedure including a plurality of N CCAprocedures may be performed. The extended CCA procedure performed inconjunction with an LBT-LBE protocol may provide a base station or UE abetter chance to gain access to an unlicensed radio frequency spectrumband (e.g., compared to a single CCA procedure performed in conjunctionwith an LBT-FBE protocol).

SUMMARY

The present disclosure, for example, relates to one or more techniquesfor managing resources for uplink transmissions in a shared radiofrequency spectrum band. When a UE uses an LBT-LBE protocol to contendfor access to a shared radio frequency spectrum band, there isuncertainty regarding if and when the UE will successfully contend foraccess to the shared radio frequency spectrum band. For example, the UEmay successfully contend for access to the shared radio frequencyspectrum band for a portion of an assigned or intended interval for theuplink transmission. The techniques disclosed herein enable a UE andbase station to determine what uplink resources to use when an actualinterval for an uplink transmission is shorter than an assigned orintended interval for the uplink transmission.

In an example, a method for wireless communication is described. In oneexample, the method may include identifying a first interval for anuplink transmission in a shared radio frequency spectrum band,identifying a second interval for the uplink transmission, comparing thefirst interval with the second interval; and determining uplinkresources to use for the uplink transmission based at least in part onthe comparison of the first interval with the second interval.

In some examples of the method, the shared radio frequency spectrum bandmay include an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band. In someexamples of the method, the shared radio frequency spectrum band mayinclude a licensed radio frequency spectrum band shared by two or moreoperators.

In some examples, the method may include receiving one or moreassignments of uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission. Insome examples, the method may further include performing a CCA toidentify the second interval, and transmitting the uplink transmissionusing the determined uplink resources. In some examples, the CCA mayinclude an extended CCA. In some examples, the determining uplinkresources may include receiving a plurality of assignments of uplinkresources to use for the uplink transmission; and selecting anassignment of uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission. Insome examples, the determining uplink resources may include applying, tothe uplink transmission, a subset of an assignment of uplink resourcesassociated with a duration of the uplink transmission. In some examples,the determining uplink resources may include adjusting one or moreparameters of the uplink resources to use for the uplink transmissionbased at least in part on the comparison of the first interval with thesecond interval. In some examples, the method may include signaling, toa base station, an indicator that indicates a value of at least one ofthe adjusted one or more parameters of the uplink resources. In someexamples, the determining uplink resources may include applying at leastone assignment of uplink resources corresponding to a portion of thefirst interval. In some examples, the determining uplink resources mayinclude applying at least one assignment of uplink resources based atleast in part on a subframe index associated with the first interval.

In some examples of the method, the first interval may include a firstduration for the uplink transmission and the second interval may includea second duration for the uplink transmission, the second duration beingdifferent from the first duration. In these examples, the first intervalmay include a plurality of subframes.

In an example, an apparatus for wireless communication is described. Inone example, the apparatus may include means for identifying a firstinterval for an uplink transmission in a shared radio frequency spectrumband, means for identifying a second interval for the uplinktransmission, means for comparing the first interval with the secondinterval, and means for determining uplink resources to use for theuplink transmission based at least in part on the comparison of thefirst interval with the second interval. In some examples, the apparatusmay further include means for implementing one or more aspects of themethod for wireless communication described above with respect to thefirst set of illustrative examples.

In an example, another apparatus for wireless communication isdescribed. In one example, the apparatus may include a processor, memoryin electronic communication with the processor, and instructions storedin the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor toidentify a first interval for an uplink transmission in a shared radiofrequency spectrum band, identify a second interval for the uplinktransmission, compare the first interval with the second interval, anddetermine uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission based atleast in part on the comparison of the first interval with the secondinterval. In some examples, the instructions may also be executable bythe processor to implement one or more aspects of the method forwireless communication described above with respect to the first set ofillustrative examples.

In an example, a computer program product for communication by awireless communication apparatus in a wireless communication system isdescribed. In one example, the computer program product may include anon-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executableby a processor to cause the wireless communication apparatus to identifya first interval for an uplink transmission in a shared radio frequencyspectrum band, identify a second interval for the uplink transmission,compare the first interval with the second interval, and determineuplink resources to use for the uplink transmission based at least inpart on the comparison of the first interval with the second interval.In some examples, the instructions may also be executable by theprocessor to cause the wireless communication apparatus to implement oneor more aspects of the method for wireless communication described abovewith respect to the first set of illustrative examples.

In an example, a method for wireless communication is described. In oneexample, the method may include transmitting one or more assignments ofuplink resources to use for an uplink transmission in a shared radiofrequency spectrum band, detecting a duration of the uplinktransmission, and identifying uplink resources used for the uplinktransmission based at least in part on the detecting.

In some examples of the method, the identifying uplink resources mayinclude performing blind detection to identify the uplink resources usedfor the uplink transmission. In some examples of the method, theidentifying uplink resources may include receiving a signal indicatingthe uplink resources used for the uplink transmission. In some examplesof the method, the identifying uplink resources may include mapping thedetected duration of the uplink transmission to the uplink resourcesused for the uplink transmission.

In some examples of the method, the transmitting one or more assignmentsof uplink resources may include transmitting a first assignment ofuplink resources associated with a first interval comprising a firstduration, and transmitting a second assignment of uplink resourcesassociated with a second interval comprising a second duration. Thesecond duration may be different from the first duration.

In an example, an apparatus for wireless communication is described. Inone example, the apparatus may include means for transmitting one ormore assignments of uplink resources to use for an uplink transmissionin a shared radio frequency spectrum band, means for detecting aduration of the uplink transmission, and means for identifying uplinkresources used for the uplink transmission based at least in part on thedetecting. In some examples, the apparatus may further include means forimplementing one or more aspects of the method for wirelesscommunication described above with respect to the fifth set ofillustrative examples.

In an example, another apparatus for wireless communication isdescribed. In one example, the apparatus may include a processor, memoryin electronic communication with the processor, and instructions storedin the memory. The instructions may being executable by the processor totransmit one or more assignments of uplink resources to use for anuplink transmission in a shared radio frequency spectrum band, detect aduration of the uplink transmission, and identify uplink resources usedfor the uplink transmission based at least in part on the detecting. Insome examples, the instructions may also be executable by the processorto implement one or more aspects of the method for wirelesscommunication described above with respect to the fifth set ofillustrative examples.

In an example, a computer program product for communication by awireless communication apparatus in a wireless communication system isdescribed. In one example, the computer program product may include anon-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executableby a processor to cause the wireless communication apparatus to transmitone or more assignments of uplink resources to use for an uplinktransmission in a shared radio frequency spectrum band, detect aduration of the uplink transmission, and identify uplink resources usedfor the uplink transmission based at least in part on the detecting. Insome examples, the instructions may also be executable by the processorto cause the wireless communication apparatus to implement one or moreaspects of the method for wireless communication described above withrespect to the fifth set of illustrative examples.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of examples according to the disclosure in order that thedetailed description that follows may be better understood. Additionalfeatures and advantages will be described hereinafter. The conceptionand specific examples disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis formodifying or designing other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do notdepart from the scope of the appended claims. Features which arebelieved to be characteristic of the concepts disclosed herein, both asto their organization and method of operation, together with associatedadvantages will be better understood from the following description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying figures. Each of thefigures is provided for the purpose of illustration and descriptiononly, and not as a definition of the limits of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the presentinvention may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In theappended figures, similar components or features may have the samereference label. Further, various components of the same type may bedistinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a secondlabel that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the firstreference label is used in the specification, the description isapplicable to any one of the similar components having the same firstreference label irrespective of the second reference label.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a wireless communication system, inaccordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a wireless communication system in which LTE/LTE-A isdeployed under different scenarios using a shared radio frequencyspectrum band (e.g., an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band), inaccordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows examples of a gating interval (or LBT radio frame) for acellular downlink in a shared radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., anunlicensed radio frequency spectrum band), in accordance with variousaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows an example of a wireless communication over unlicensedshared radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., an unlicensed radiofrequency spectrum band), in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows an example of a wireless communication over a shared radiofrequency spectrum band (e.g., an unlicensed radio frequency spectrumband), in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows an example of resource allocations for CCA-ExemptTransmissions (CETs) of synchronous operators in a shared radiofrequency spectrum band (e.g., an unlicensed radio frequency spectrumband), in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a timing diagram of wireless communications over a sharedradio frequency spectrum band (e.g., an unlicensed radio frequencyspectrum band), in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8 shows an example of how a first signal may be transmitted whileoperating in an LBT-LBE mode of operation in a shared radio frequencyspectrum band (e.g., an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band), toalign a starting point of a second signal with a reference boundaryassociated with the shared radio frequency spectrum band, in accordancewith various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows an example of various transmissions over a shared radiofrequency spectrum band (e.g., an unlicensed radio frequency spectrumband), in accordance with an LBT-LBE protocol, and in accordance withvarious aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows an example of an uplink transmission in a shared radiofrequency spectrum band (e.g., an unlicensed radio frequency spectrumband), in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 shows an example of an uplink transmission in a shared radiofrequency spectrum band (e.g., an unlicensed radio frequency spectrumband), in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of an apparatus for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of an apparatus for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 14 shows a block diagram of an apparatus for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 15 shows a block diagram of an apparatus for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of a base station (e.g., a base stationforming part or all of an eNB) for use in wireless communication, inaccordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 shows a block diagram of a UE for use in wireless communication,in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 24 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Techniques are described in which resources for uplink transmissions ina shared radio frequency spectrum band are managed. In some examples,the shared radio frequency spectrum band may include an unlicensed radiofrequency spectrum band for which apparatuses may need to contend foraccess because the radio frequency spectrum band is available forunlicensed use, such as Wi-Fi use. In other examples, the shared radiofrequency spectrum band may include a licensed radio frequency spectrumband for which apparatuses may need to contend for access because theradio frequency spectrum band is available for use by two or moreoperators on a contention basis. In some examples, the shared radiofrequency spectrum band may be used for cellular communications (e.g.,Long Term Evolution (LTE) communications or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A)communications).

With increasing data traffic in cellular networks that use a licensedradio frequency spectrum band, offloading of at least some data trafficto a shared radio frequency spectrum band may provide a cellularoperator (e.g., an operator of a public land mobile network (PLMN) or acoordinated set of base stations defining a cellular network, such as anLTE/LTE-A network) with opportunities for enhanced data transmissioncapacity. Prior to gaining access to, and communicating over, the sharedradio frequency spectrum band, a transmitting apparatus may, in someexamples, perform an LBT procedure to gain access to the shared radiofrequency spectrum band. Such an LBT procedure may include performing aCCA procedure (or extended CCA procedure) to determine whether a channelof the shared radio frequency spectrum band is available. When it isdetermined that a channel is not available, a CCA procedure (or extendedCCA procedure) may be performed for the channel again at a later time.

When a UE uses an LBT-LBE protocol to contend for access to a sharedradio frequency spectrum band, there is uncertainty regarding if andwhen the UE will successfully contend for access to the shared radiofrequency spectrum band. For example, the UE may successfully contendfor access to the shared radio frequency spectrum band for a portion ofan assigned or intended interval for the uplink transmission. Thetechniques disclosed herein enable a UE and base station to determinewhat uplink resources to use when an actual interval for an uplinktransmission is shorter than an assigned or intended interval for theuplink transmission.

Techniques described herein may be used for various wirelesscommunications systems such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA, andother systems. The terms “system” and “network” are often usedinterchangeably. A CDMA system may implement a radio technology such asCDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), etc. CDMA2000covers IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards. IS-2000 Releases 0 and Aare commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1x, 1x, etc. IS-856 (TIA-856) iscommonly referred to as CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD),etc. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variants of CDMA. ATDMA system may implement a radio technology such as Global System forMobile Communications (GSM). An OFDMA system may implement a radiotechnology such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA),IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM™, etc.UTRA and E-UTRA are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunication System(UMTS). 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) are newreleases of UMTS that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, andGSM are described in documents from an organization named “3rdGeneration Partnership Project” (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are describedin documents from an organization named “3rd Generation PartnershipProject 2” (3GPP2). The techniques described herein may be used for thesystems and radio technologies mentioned above as well as other systemsand radio technologies. The description below, however, describes an LTEsystem for purposes of example, and LTE terminology is used in much ofthe description below, although the techniques are applicable beyond LTEapplications.

The following description provides examples, and is not limiting of thescope, applicability, or examples set forth in the claims. Changes maybe made in the function and arrangement of elements discussed withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Various examplesmay omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components asappropriate. For instance, the methods described may be performed in anorder different from that described, and various steps may be added,omitted, or combined. Also, features described with respect to someexamples may be combined in other examples.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a wireless communication system 100, inaccordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wirelesscommunication system 100 may include a plurality of base stations 105(e.g., base stations forming parts or all of one or more eNBs), a numberof UEs 115, and a core network 130. Some of the base stations 105 maycommunicate with the UEs 115 under the control of a base stationcontroller (not shown), which may be part of the core network 130 orcertain ones of the base stations 105 in various examples. Some of thebase stations 105 may communicate control information or user data withthe core network 130 through backhaul 132. In some examples, some of thebase stations 105 may communicate, either directly or indirectly, witheach other over backhaul links 134, which may be wired or wirelesscommunication links. The wireless communication system 100 may supportoperation on multiple carriers (waveform signals of differentfrequencies). Multi-carrier transmitters can transmit modulated signalssimultaneously on the multiple carriers. For example, each communicationlink 125 may be a multi-carrier signal modulated according to variousradio technologies. Each modulated signal may be sent on a differentcarrier and may carry control information (e.g., reference signals,control channels, etc.), overhead information, data, etc.

The base stations 105 may wirelessly communicate with the UEs 115 viaone or more base station antennas. Each of the base stations 105 mayprovide communication coverage for a respective coverage area 110. Insome examples, a base station 105 may be referred to as an access point,a base transceiver station (BTS), a radio base station, a radiotransceiver, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), aNodeB, an evolved NodeB (eNB), a Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, a WLANaccess point, a Wi-Fi node or some other suitable terminology. Thecoverage area 110 for a base station 105 may be divided into sectorsmaking up only a portion of the coverage area. The wirelesscommunication system 100 may include base stations 105 of differenttypes (e.g., macro, micro, or pico base stations). The base stations 105may also utilize different radio technologies, such as cellular or WLANradio access technologies. The base stations 105 may be associated withthe same or different access networks or operator deployments (e.g.,collectively referred to herein as “operators”). The coverage areas ofdifferent base stations 105, including the coverage areas of the same ordifferent types of base stations 105, utilizing the same or differentradio technologies, or belonging to the same or different accessnetworks, may overlap.

In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may include anLTE/LTE-A communication system (or network), which LTE/LTE-Acommunication system may support one or more modes of operation ordeployment in a first radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., a radiofrequency spectrum band for which apparatuses do not contend for accessbecause the radio frequency spectrum band is licensed to certain usersfor certain uses, such as a licensed radio frequency spectrum bandusable for LTE/LTE-A communications) or a second radio frequencyspectrum band (e.g., a shared radio frequency spectrum band such as anunlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses may needto contend for access because the radio frequency spectrum band isavailable for unlicensed use, such as Wi-Fi use, or a licensed radiofrequency spectrum band for which apparatuses may need to contend foraccess because the radio frequency spectrum band is available for use bytwo or more operators on a contention basis). In other examples, thewireless communication system 100 may support wireless communicationusing one or more access technologies different from LTE/LTE-A. InLTE/LTE-A communication systems, the term evolved NodeB or eNB may be,for example, used to describe ones or groups of the base stations 105.

The wireless communication system 100 may be or include a HeterogeneousLTE/LTE-A network in which different types of base stations 105 providecoverage for various geographical regions. For example, each basestation 105 may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a picocell, a femto cell, or other type of cell. Small cells such as picocells, femto cells, or other types of cells may include low power nodesor LPNs. A macro cell, for example, covers a relatively large geographicarea (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestrictedaccess by UEs with service subscriptions with the network provider. Apico cell would, for example, cover a relatively smaller geographic areaand may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions withthe network provider. A femto cell would also, for example, cover arelatively small geographic area (e.g., a home) and, in addition tounrestricted access, may also provide restricted access by UEs having anassociation with the femto cell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group(CSG), UEs for users in the home, and the like). An eNB for a macro cellmay be referred to as a macro eNB. An eNB for a pico cell may bereferred to as a pico eNB. And, an eNB for a femto cell may be referredto as a femto eNB or a home eNB. An eNB may support one or multiple(e.g., two, three, four, and the like) cells.

The core network 130 may communicate with the base stations 105 via abackhaul 132 (e.g., S1 application protocol, etc.). The base stations105 may also communicate with one another, e.g., directly or indirectlyvia backhaul links 134 (e.g., X2 application protocol, etc.) or viabackhaul 132 (e.g., through core network 130). The wirelesscommunication system 100 may support synchronous or asynchronousoperation. For synchronous operation, the eNBs may have similar frame orgating timing, and transmissions from different eNBs may beapproximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, the eNBs mayhave different frame or gating timing, and transmissions from differenteNBs may not be aligned in time.

The UEs 115 may be dispersed throughout the wireless communicationsystem 100. A UE 115 may also be referred to by those skilled in the artas a mobile device, a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobileunit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a wirelessdevice, a wireless communication device, a remote device, a mobilesubscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wirelessterminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, aclient, or some other suitable terminology. A UE 115 may be a cellularphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wirelesscommunication device, a handheld device, a tablet computer, a laptopcomputer, a cordless phone, a wearable item such as a watch or glasses,a wireless local loop (WLL) station, etc. A UE 115 may be able tocommunicate with macro eNBs, pico eNBs, femto eNBs, relays, and thelike. A UE 115 may also be able to communicate over different types ofaccess networks, such as cellular or other wireless wide area network(WWAN) access networks, or wireless local area network (WLAN) accessnetworks. In some modes of communication with a UE 115, communicationmay be conducted over a plurality of communication links 125 or channels(i.e., component carriers), with each channel using a component carrierbetween the UE 115 and one of a number of cells (e.g., serving cells,which cells may in some cases be operated by the same or different basestations 105).

Each component carrier may be provided over the first radio frequencyspectrum band or the second (e.g., shared) radio frequency spectrumband, and a set of component carriers used in one mode of communicationmay all be received (e.g., at a UE 115) over the first radio frequencyspectrum band, all be received (e.g., at a UE 115) over the second(e.g., shared) radio frequency spectrum band, or be received (e.g., at aUE 115) over a combination of the first radio frequency spectrum bandand the second (e.g., shared) radio frequency spectrum band.

The communication links 125 shown in wireless communication system 100may include uplink channels (using component carriers) for carryinguplink (UL) communications (e.g., transmissions from a UE 115 to a basestation 105) or downlink channels (using component carriers) forcarrying downlink (DL) communications (e.g., transmissions from a basestation 105 to a UE 115). The UL communications or transmissions mayalso be called reverse link communications or transmissions, while theDL communications or transmissions may also be called forward linkcommunications or transmissions. The downlink communications or uplinkcommunications may be made using the first radio frequency spectrumband, the second (e.g., shared) radio frequency spectrum band, or both.

In some examples of the wireless communication system 100, LTE/LTE-A maybe deployed under different scenarios using the second (e.g., shared)radio frequency spectrum band. The deployment scenarios may include asupplemental downlink mode in which LTE/LTE-A downlink communications inthe first radio frequency spectrum band may be offloaded to the second(e.g., shared) radio frequency spectrum band, a carrier aggregation modein which both LTE/LTE-A downlink and uplink communications may beoffloaded from the first radio frequency spectrum band to the second(e.g., shared) radio frequency spectrum band, or a standalone mode inwhich LTE/LTE-A downlink and uplink communications between a basestation 105 and a UE 115 may take place in the second (e.g., shared)radio frequency spectrum band. Base stations 105 as well as UEs 115 mayin some examples support one or more of these or similar modes ofoperation. OFDMA waveforms may be used in the communication links 125for LTE/LTE-A downlink communications in the first radio frequencyspectrum band or the second (e.g., shared) radio frequency spectrumband, while OFDMA, SC-FDMA or resource block interleaved FDMA waveformsmay be used in the communication links 125 for LTE/LTE-A uplinkcommunications in the first radio frequency spectrum band or the second(e.g., shared) radio frequency spectrum band.

FIG. 2 shows a wireless communication system 200 in which LTE/LTE-A isdeployed under different scenarios using a shared radio frequencyspectrum band (e.g., an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band), inaccordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Morespecifically, FIG. 2 illustrates examples of a supplemental downlinkmode, a carrier aggregation mode, and a standalone mode in whichLTE/LTE-A is deployed using a shared radio frequency spectrum band. Thewireless communication system 200 may be an example of portions of thewireless communication system 100 described with reference to FIG. 1.Moreover, a first base station 205 and a second base station 205-a maybe examples of aspects of one or more of the base stations 105 describedwith reference to FIG. 1, while a first UE 215, a second UE 215-a, athird UE 215-b, and a fourth UE 215-c may be examples of aspects of oneor more of the UEs 115 described with reference to FIG. 1.

In the example of a supplemental downlink mode in the wirelesscommunication system 200, the first base station 205 may transmit OFDMAwaveforms to the first UE 215 using a downlink channel 220. The downlinkchannel 220 may be associated with a frequency F1 in a shared radiofrequency spectrum band. The first base station 205 may transmit OFDMAwaveforms to the first UE 215 using a first bidirectional link 225 andmay receive SC-FDMA waveforms from the first UE 215 using the firstbidirectional link 225. The first bidirectional link 225 may beassociated with a frequency F4 in a licensed radio frequency spectrumband. The downlink channel 220 in the shared radio frequency spectrumband and the first bidirectional link 225 in the licensed radiofrequency spectrum band may operate concurrently. The downlink channel220 may provide a downlink capacity offload for the first base station205. In some examples, the downlink channel 220 may be used for unicastservices (e.g., addressed to one UE) or for multicast services (e.g.,addressed to several UEs). This scenario may occur with any serviceprovider (e.g., a mobile network operator (MNO)) that uses a licensedradio frequency spectrum and needs to relieve some of the traffic orsignaling congestion.

In one example of a carrier aggregation mode in the wirelesscommunication system 200, the first base station 205 may transmit OFDMAwaveforms to the second UE 215-a using a second bidirectional link 230and may receive OFDMA waveforms, SC-FDMA waveforms, or resource blockinterleaved FDMA waveforms from the second UE 215-a using the secondbidirectional link 230. The second bidirectional link 230 may beassociated with the frequency F1 in the shared radio frequency spectrumband. The first base station 205 may also transmit OFDMA waveforms tothe second UE 215-a using a third bidirectional link 235 and may receiveSC-FDMA waveforms from the second UE 215-a using the third bidirectionallink 235. The third bidirectional link 235 may be associated with afrequency F2 in a licensed radio frequency spectrum band. The secondbidirectional link 230 may provide a downlink and uplink capacityoffload for the first base station 205. Like the supplemental downlinkdescribed above, this scenario may occur with any service provider(e.g., MNO) that uses a licensed radio frequency spectrum and needs torelieve some of the traffic or signaling congestion.

In another example of a carrier aggregation mode in the wirelesscommunication system 200, the first base station 205 may transmit OFDMAwaveforms to the third UE 215-b using a fourth bidirectional link 240and may receive OFDMA waveforms, SC-FDMA waveforms, or resource blockinterleaved waveforms from the third UE 215-b using the fourthbidirectional link 240. The fourth bidirectional link 240 may beassociated with a frequency F3 in the shared radio frequency spectrumband. The first base station 205 may also transmit OFDMA waveforms tothe third UE 215-b using a fifth bidirectional link 245 and may receiveSC-FDMA waveforms from the third UE 215-b using the fifth bidirectionallink 245. The fifth bidirectional link 245 may be associated with thefrequency F2 in the licensed radio frequency spectrum band. The fourthbidirectional link 240 may provide a downlink and uplink capacityoffload for the first base station 205. This example and those providedabove are presented for illustrative purposes and there may be othersimilar modes of operation or deployment scenarios that combineLTE/LTE-A in licensed radio frequency spectrum and shared access radiofrequency spectrum for capacity offload.

As described above, one type of service provider that may benefit fromthe capacity offload offered by using LTE/LTE-A in shared access radiofrequency spectrum is a traditional MNO having access rights to anLTE/LTE-A licensed radio frequency spectrum band. For these serviceproviders, an operational example may include a bootstrapped mode (e.g.,supplemental downlink, carrier aggregation) that uses the LTE/LTE-Aprimary component carrier (PCC) on the licensed radio frequency spectrumband and at least one secondary component carrier (SCC) on the sharedradio frequency spectrum band.

In the carrier aggregation mode, data and control may, for example, becommunicated in the licensed radio frequency spectrum (e.g., via firstbidirectional link 225, third bidirectional link 235, and fifthbidirectional link 245) while data may, for example, be communicated inthe shared radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., via second bidirectionallink 230 and fourth bidirectional link 240). The carrier aggregationmechanisms supported when using shared access radio frequency spectrummay fall under a hybrid frequency division duplexing-time divisionduplexing (FDD-TDD) carrier aggregation or a TDD-TDD carrier aggregationwith different symmetry across component carriers.

In one example of a standalone mode in the wireless communication system200, the second base station 205-a may transmit OFDMA waveforms to thefourth UE 215-c using a bidirectional link 250 and may receive OFDMAwaveforms, SC-FDMA waveforms, or resource block interleaved FDMAwaveforms from the fourth UE 215-c using the bidirectional link 250. Thebidirectional link 250 may be associated with the frequency F3 in theshared radio frequency spectrum band. The standalone mode may be used innon-traditional wireless access scenarios, such as in-stadium access(e.g., unicast, multicast). An example of a type of service provider forthis mode of operation may be a stadium owner, cable company, eventhost, hotel, enterprise, or large corporation that does not have accessto a licensed radio frequency spectrum band.

In some examples, a transmitting apparatus such as one of the basestations 105, 205, or 205-a described with reference to FIG. 1 or 2, orone of the UEs 115, 215, 215-a, 215-b, or 215-c described with referenceto FIG. 1 or 2, may use a gating interval to gain access to a channel ofa shared radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., to a physical channel ofthe shared radio frequency spectrum band). The gating interval maydefine the application of a contention-based protocol, such as an LBTprotocol based on the LBT protocol specified in EuropeanTelecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) (EN 301 893). When using agating interval that defines the application of an LBT protocol, thegating interval may indicate when a transmitting apparatus needs toperform a contention procedure, such as a clear channel assessment (CCA)procedure. The outcome of the CCA procedure may indicate to thetransmitting device whether a channel of a shared radio frequencyspectrum band is available or in use for the gating interval (alsoreferred to as an LBT radio frame or a CCA frame). When a CCA procedureindicates that the channel is available (e.g., “clear” for use) for acorresponding LBT radio frame, the transmitting apparatus may reserve oruse the channel of the shared radio frequency spectrum band during partor all of the LBT radio frame. When the CCA procedure indicates that thechannel is not available (e.g., that the channel is in use or reservedby another apparatus), the transmitting apparatus may be prevented fromusing the channel during the LBT radio frame.

In some cases, it may be useful for a transmitting apparatus to generatea gating interval on a periodic basis and synchronize at least oneboundary of the gating interval with at least one boundary of a periodicinterval. For example, it may be useful to generate a periodic gatinginterval for a cellular downlink in a shared radio frequency spectrumband, and to synchronize at least one boundary of the periodic gatinginterval with at least one boundary of a periodic interval (e.g., aperiodic LTE/LTE-A radio interval) associated with the cellulardownlink. Examples of such synchronization are shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 shows examples 300 of a gating interval (or LBT radio frame) fora cellular downlink in a shared radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., anunlicensed radio frequency spectrum band), in accordance with variousaspects of the present disclosure. A first gating interval 305, a secondgating interval 315, or a third gating interval 325 may be used as aperiodic gating interval by an eNB or UE that supports transmissionsover the shared radio frequency spectrum band. Examples of such an eNBmay include the base stations 105, 205, or 205-a described withreference to FIG. 1 or 2, and examples of such a UE may include the UEs115, 215, 215-a, 215-b, or 215-c described with reference to FIG. 1 or2. The first gating interval 305, the second gating interval 315, or thethird gating interval 325 may in some examples be used with the wirelesscommunication system 100 or 200 described with reference to FIG. 1 or 2.

By way of example, the duration of the first gating interval 305 isshown to be equal to (or approximately equal to) a duration of anLTE/LTE-A radio frame 310 of a periodic interval associated with acellular downlink. In some examples, “approximately equal” means theduration of the first gating interval 305 is within a cyclic prefix (CP)duration of the duration of the periodic interval.

At least one boundary of the first gating interval 305 may besynchronized with at least one boundary of the periodic interval thatincludes the LTE/LTE-A radio frames N−1 to N+1. In some cases, the firstgating interval 305 may have boundaries that are aligned with the frameboundaries of the periodic interval. In other cases, the first gatinginterval 305 may have boundaries that are synchronized with, but offsetfrom, the frame boundaries of the periodic interval. For example, theboundaries of the first gating interval 305 may be aligned with subframeboundaries of the periodic interval, or with subframe midpointboundaries (e.g., the midpoints of certain subframes) of the periodicinterval.

In some cases, the periodic interval may include LTE/LTE-A radio framesN−1 to N+1. Each LTE/LTE-A radio frame 310 may have a duration of tenmilliseconds, for example, and the first gating interval 305 may alsohave a duration of ten milliseconds. In these cases, the boundaries ofthe first gating interval 305 may be synchronized with the boundaries(e.g., frame boundaries, subframe boundaries, or subframe midpointboundaries) of one of the LTE/LTE-A radio frames (e.g., the LTE/LTE-Aradio frame (N)).

By way of example, the durations of the second gating interval 315 andthe third gating interval 325 are shown to be sub-multiples of (orapproximate sub-multiples of) the duration of the periodic intervalassociated with the cellular downlink. In some examples, an “approximatesub-multiple of” means the duration of the second gating interval 315 orthe third gating interval 325 is within a cyclic prefix (CP) duration ofthe duration of a sub-multiple of (e.g., half or one-fifth) the periodicinterval. For example, the second gating interval 315 may have aduration of five milliseconds and the third gating interval 325 may havea duration of two milliseconds. The second gating interval 315 or thethird gating interval 325 may be advantageous over the first gatinginterval 305 because its shorter duration may facilitate more frequentsharing of a shared radio frequency spectrum band.

FIG. 4 shows an example 400 of a wireless communication 410 overunlicensed shared radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., an unlicensedradio frequency spectrum band), in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure. An LBT radio frame 415, which may correspond toa gating interval such as the first gating interval 305 described withreference to FIG. 3, may have a duration of ten milliseconds and includea number of downlink subframes 420, a number of uplink subframes 425,and two types of special subframes, an S subframe 430 and an S′ subframe435. The S subframe 430 may provide a transition between downlinksubframes 420 and uplink subframes 425, while the S′ subframe 535 mayprovide a transition between uplink subframes 425 and downlink subframes420. During the S′ subframe 435, a downlink clear channel assessment(DCCA) procedure 440 may be performed by one or more base stations, suchas one or more of the base stations 105, 205, or 205-a described withreference to FIG. 1 or 2, to reserve, for a period of time, the channelover which the wireless communication 410 occurs. Following a successfulDCCA procedure 440 by a base station, the base station may transmit achannel usage beacon signal (CUBS) 445 to provide an indication to otherbase stations or apparatuses (e.g., UEs, Wi-Fi access points, etc.) thatthe base station has reserved the channel. In some examples, a CUBS 445may be transmitted using a plurality of interleaved resource blocks.Transmitting a CUBS 445 in this manner may enable the CUBS 445 to occupyat least a certain percentage of the available frequency bandwidth inthe shared radio frequency spectrum band and satisfy one or moreregulatory requirements (e.g., a requirement that the CUBS 445 occupy atleast 80% of the available frequency bandwidth). The CUBS 445 may insome examples take a form similar to that of an LTE/LTE-A cell-specificreference signal (CRS) or channel state information reference signal(CSI-RS). When the DCCA procedure 440 fails, the CUBS 445 is nottransmitted.

The S′ subframe 435 may include 14 OFDM symbols, numbered 0 through 13in FIG. 4. A first portion of the S′ subframe 435, symbols 0 through 5in this example, may be used by base stations as a silent DL period,which may be required for compatibility with LTE/LTE-A communicationstandards. Thus, a base station may not transmit data during the silentDL period, although a UE may transmit some amount of uplink data duringthe silent DL period. A second portion of the S′ subframe 435 may beused for the DCCA procedure 440. In the example 400, the S′ subframe 435includes seven DCCA slots, included in symbols 6 through 12. Use of theDCCA slots by different network operators may be coordinated to providemore efficient system operation. In some examples, in order to determinewhich of the seven possible DCCA slots to use to perform a DCCAprocedure 440, a base station 105 may evaluate a mapping-function of theform:F _(D)(GroupID,t)∈{1,2,3,4,5,6,7}where GroupID is a “deployment group-id” assigned to the base station105, and t is the LBT radio frame number corresponding to a gatinginterval or frame for which the DCCA procedure 440 is performed.

FIG. 5 shows an example 500 of a wireless communication 510 over ashared radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., an unlicensed radiofrequency spectrum band), in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. An LBT radio frame 515, which may correspond to agating interval such as the first gating interval 305 described withreference to FIG. 3 or the LBT radio frame 415 described with referenceto FIG. 4, may have a duration of ten milliseconds and include a numberof downlink subframes 520, a number of uplink subframes 525, and twotypes of special subframes (e.g., an S subframe 530 and an S′ subframe535. The S subframe 530 may provide a transition between downlinksubframes 520 and uplink subframes 525, while the S′ subframe 535 mayprovide a transition between uplink subframes 525 and downlink subframes520. During the S subframe 530, an uplink CCA (UCCA) procedure 540 maybe performed by one or more UEs, such as one or more of the UEs 115,215, 215-a, 215-b, or 215-c described above with reference to FIG. 1 or2, to reserve, for a period of time, the channel over which the wirelesscommunication 510 occurs. Following a successful UCCA procedure 540 by aUE, the UE may transmit a CUBS 545 to provide an indication to other UEsor apparatuses (e.g., base stations, Wi-Fi access points, etc.) that theUE has reserved the channel. In some examples, a CUBS 545 may betransmitted using a plurality of interleaved resource blocks.Transmitting a CUBS 545 in this manner may enable the CUBS 545 to occupyat least a certain percentage of the available frequency bandwidth inthe shared radio frequency spectrum band and satisfy one or moreregulatory requirements (e.g., a requirement that the CUBS 545 occupy atleast 80% of the available frequency bandwidth). The CUBS 545 may insome examples take a form similar to that of an LTE/LTE-A cell-specificreference signal (CRS) or channel state information reference signal(CSI-RS). When the UCCA procedure 540 fails, the CUBS 545 is nottransmitted.

The S subframe 530 may include 14 OFDM symbols, numbered 0 through 13 inFIG. 5. A first portion of the S subframe 530, symbols 0 through 3 inthis example, may be used as a downlink pilot time slot (DwPTS) 550, anda second portion of the S subframe 530 may be used as a guard period(GP) 555. A third portion of the S subframe 530 may be used for UCCAprocedure 540. In the example 500, the S subframe 530 includes sevenUCCA slots, included in symbols 6 through 12. Use of the UCCA slots bydifferent UEs may be coordinated to provide more efficient systemoperation. In some examples, in order to determine which of the sevenpossible UCCA slots to use to perform a UCCA procedure 540, a UE mayevaluate a mapping-function of the form:F _(u)(GroupID,t)∈{1,2,3,4,5,6,7}where GroupID is a “deployment group-id” assigned to the UE, and t isthe LBT radio frame number corresponding to a frame for which a UCCAprocedure 540 is performed.

The mapping function for a DCCA procedure 440 or a UCCA procedure 540may be constructed based on different criteria, depending on whether themapping function will have an orthogonalization or anon-orthogonalization property. In examples with orthogonal LBT access,the mapping function may have an orthogonalization property accordingto:F _(D/U)(x,t)≠F _(D/U)(y,t)GroupID x,y∈{1,2,3,4,5,6,7}for all time t, whenever x≠y represent different group-ids. In thiscase, base stations or UEs with different group-ids may perform CCAprocedures (e.g., DCCA procedures 440 or UCCA procedures 540) duringnon-overlapping CCA slots. In the absence of interference, the basestation or UE with the group-id which maps to an earlier CCA slot maysecure the channel for a period of time. According to variousdeployments, the mapping-function is fair, in the sense that acrossdifferent time indices t, the mapping {F_(D/U)(x,t), t=1, 2, 3, . . . }varies such that different group-ids have an equal chance of mapping toan earlier CCA slot (and hence secure the channel in the absence ofother interference) over a suitably long interval of time.

All base stations and UEs deployed by the same networkoperator/service-provider may be assigned the same group-id, so thatthey do not preempt each other in the contention process. This allowsfull frequency reuse among base stations and UEs of the same deployment,leading to enhanced system throughput. Base stations or UEs of differentdeployments may be assigned different group-ids, so that with orthogonalCCA slot mapping, access to the channel is mutually exclusive.

In examples with non-orthogonal, or overlapping, CCA slot access, themapping function may allow more than seven group ids. In somesituations, for example, it may be useful to support more than sevendeployment group-ids, in which case it is not possible to maintain theorthogonality property of CCA slot mapping functions. In such cases, itmay be desirable to reduce the frequency of collision between any twogroup-ids. In some examples, non-orthogonal CCA slot mapping sequencesmay also be used to provide fair channel access among deploymentswithout tight coordination on LBT opportunities. One example of anon-orthogonal CCA slot mapping sequence is given by:F _(D/U)(x,t)=R _(1,7)(x,t)GroupID x=∈{1,2, . . . 2¹⁶}where R_(1,7)(x,t) is a pseudo-random number generator between 1 and 7chosen independently for GroupID x. In this case, there could bepotential collisions between base stations or UEs of different GroupID'sin the same LBT radio frame t.

Thus, CCA slots may be selected according to the noted mapping functionsand used for a DCCA procedure 440 or a UCCA procedure 540.

In each of FIGS. 4 and 5, the period between successful performance of aDCCA procedure 440 and the start of a transmission period for which theDCCA procedure 440 was performed (see, e.g., FIG. 4), or the periodbetween successful performance of a UCCA procedure 540 and the start ofa transmission period for which the UCCA procedure 540 was performed(see, e.g., FIG. 5), may be referred to as a preamble. Because ofvariability in when a DCCA procedure 440 or UCCA procedure 540 isperformed, the length of a preamble may vary. However, in each of theexamples shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the preamble ends followingtransmission of the CUBS 445 (see, e.g., FIG. 4) or the CUBS 545 (see,e.g., FIG. 5).

FIG. 6 shows an example 600 of resource allocations for CCA-ExemptTransmissions (CETs) of synchronous operators in a shared radiofrequency spectrum band (e.g., an unlicensed radio frequency spectrumband), in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. ACET may be made without a need to perform a CCA (e.g., a DCCA or anuplink CCA (UCCA)) to first gain access to the shared radio frequencyspectrum band. Instead, an operator is exempted from performing a CCAfor the purpose of transmitting a CET.

As shown, an allocation of resources 605 for CETs may be made, forexample, once every eighty milliseconds (80 ms) or once every CETperiod, where the CET period may have a configurable periodicity. Eachof a number of operators in the shared spectrum (e.g., different PLMNs)may be provided a separate subframe (shown) or subframes (not shown) fortransmitting CETs. By way of example, FIG. 6 shows adjacent CETsubframes for seven different operators (e.g., operators PLMN1, PLMN2, .. . , PLMN7). Such a CET transmission framework may be applicable to adownlink or uplink between a base station and a UE.

Under most conditions, the use of an LBT-FBE protocol by a transmittingapparatus, as described above, provides sufficient access to a sharedradio frequency spectrum band (e.g., an unlicensed radio frequencyspectrum band). The use of an LBT-FBE protocol can be advantageous as itmay enable frequency reuse 1 among base stations or eNBs associated withthe same operator. However, under some scenarios, one or more Wi-Finodes may prevent an LTE/LTE-A node from accessing a channel of theshared radio frequency spectrum band. In these scenarios, use of anLBT-LBE protocol may be advantageous over an LBT-FBE protocol (despitethe fact that use of an LBT-LBE protocol may prevent frequency reuse 1under some conditions), in that a transmitting apparatus maypersistently attempt to access the shared radio frequency spectrum bandwhen employing an LBT-LBE protocol. For example, the transmittingapparatus may attempt to access the medium for a random duration of NCCA procedures, but for a maximum duration controlled by the parameterq. A smaller value of q implies a shorter maximum extended CCA procedureduration and shorter radio frame length.

A transmitting apparatus capable of using an LBT-FBE protocol under mostconditions, and an LBT-LBE protocol when necessary, may be useful insome wireless communication systems. Such a transmitting apparatus mayuse a same or similar LBT radio interval when using either the LBT-FBEprotocol or the LBT-LBE protocol, but may use somewhat different CCAprocedures for the different protocols.

In some examples of an LBT-LBE protocol, a transmitting apparatus mayperform a CCA procedure and, when the CCA procedure is successful,immediately begin transmitting over a channel of a shared radiofrequency spectrum band (e.g., an unlicensed radio frequency spectrumband). However, when the CCA procedure is unsuccessful, the transmittingapparatus may perform an extended CCA (ECCA) procedure by selecting arandom integer, N, between 1 and q, where q has a value of 4≤q≤32advertised by an operator or vendor. Upon selecting a value for therandom integer, N, the transmitting apparatus may wait to access theshared radio frequency spectrum band for N CCA procedures where achannel of the shared radio frequency spectrum band is found to beclear. Upon the channel of the shared radio frequency spectrum bandbeing found clear for the N CCA procedures, the transmitting apparatusmay transmit over the shared radio frequency spectrum band for at most(13/32)×q milliseconds (msec) before needing to perform another extendedCCA procedure. The (13/32)×q msec transmission time is therefore amaximum channel occupancy time (i.e., MaxChannelOccupancyTime).

FIG. 7 shows a timing diagram 700 of wireless communications over ashared radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., an unlicensed radiofrequency spectrum band), in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. In some examples, the shared radio frequencyspectrum band may be a radio frequency spectrum band for whichapparatuses may need to contend for access because the radio frequencyspectrum band is available, at least in part, for unlicensed use (e.g.,Wi-Fi use or LTE/LTE-A use in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrumband).

By way of example, the wireless communications shown in FIG. 7 includecommunications (or transmissions (Tx)) by an Operator 1, an Operator 2,and a Wi-Fi node. By way of further example, transmitters of Operator 1and Operator 2, as well as the Wi-Fi node, may be within CCA range ofeach other. Operator 1 may transmit a CCA-Exempt Transmission (CET) 705over the shared radio frequency spectrum band, followed by a firstnumber of radio frames (e.g., radio frames FR_01, FR_11, FR_21, orFR_31). Operator 2 may transmit a CET 710 over the shared radiofrequency spectrum band, followed by a second number of radio frames(e.g., radio frames FR_02 or FR_12). The Wi-Fi node may also transmitover the shared radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., the transmissionlabeled Wi-Fi). When a transmitter associated with Operator 1 istransmitting over a channel of the shared radio frequency spectrum band,Operator 2 and the Wi-Fi node may be prevented from accessing thechannel of the shared radio frequency spectrum band. When a transmitterassociated with Operator 2 is transmitting over a channel of the sharedradio frequency spectrum band, transmitters of Operator 1 and the Wi-Finode may be prevented from accessing the channel of the shared radiofrequency spectrum band. When the Wi-Fi node is transmitting over achannel of the shared radio frequency spectrum band, transmittersassociated with Operator 1 and Operator 2 may be prevented fromaccessing the channel of the shared radio frequency spectrum band.

In some examples, the transmitters of Operator 1 and Operator 2 may gainaccess to the shared radio frequency spectrum band (or a channelthereof) by performing an extended CCA procedure labeled NxCCA. Accessis only gained when an extended CCA procedure is successful (labeled asExt CCA Success).

In some examples, each radio frame transmitted by Operator 1 or Operator2 may be an LTE/LTE-A radio frame having 10 subframes and a duration of10 msec. Each subframe may include, for example, fourteen OFDM symbols.The subframes may variously include data subframes, uplink subframes, orspecial subframes (e.g., subframes used to transmit control information,synchronization signals, some data, etc.).

When operating in accordance with an LBT-LBE protocol, frame levelalignment among the cells of an operator can be ensured by design.However, different cells may succeed at performing extended CCAprocedures at different times, creating a potential for transmissionframes having different starting points or ending points. FIG. 8illustrates one technique for aligning frames of different cells.

FIG. 8 shows an example 800 of how a first signal may be transmittedwhile operating in an LBT-LBE mode of operation in a shared radiofrequency spectrum band (e.g., an unlicensed radio frequency spectrumband), to align a starting point of a second signal with a referenceboundary associated with the shared radio frequency spectrum band, inaccordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Moreparticularly, FIG. 8 shows an LBT-LBE radio frame 805 having a durationof 2 ms. The LBT-LBE radio frame 805 may include a first LTE/LTE-Asubframe 810 and a second LTE/LTE-A subframe 815, each having a durationof 1 ms. Each of the first LTE/LTE-A subframe 810 and the secondLTE/LTE-A subframe 815 may include a plurality of OFDM symbol periods820 (e.g., 14 OFDM symbol periods) bounded by a plurality of OFDM symbolperiod boundaries 825.

In some examples, a base station may transmit a synchronization oralignment signal during a first part of the first LBT-LBE radio frame805 (e.g., at or near the beginning of the first LBT-LBE radio frame805). The synchronization or alignment signal may be transmitted, forexample, because the timing of the start of the LBT-LBE radio frame 805can vary based on the timing of the conclusion of a successful extendedCCA procedure (e.g., the timing of the conclusion of the successfulextended CCA procedure can vary with reference to an OFDM symbolboundary, slot boundary, or subframe boundary of an LBT-FBE intervalover the shared radio frequency spectrum band, with reference to thetiming of a discovery signal (e.g., a CET) transmitted over the sharedradio frequency spectrum band, or with reference to an OFDM symbolboundary, slot boundary, or subframe boundary of a transmission over alicensed radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., an OFDM symbol boundary,slot boundary, or subframe boundary of a transmission from a primaryserving cell over the licensed radio frequency spectrum band)), orbecause OFDM symbol level synchronization may be desirable among thedownlink transmissions of a base station or eNB.

In some examples, the synchronization or alignment signal may include avariable length training sequence 830 (e.g., a fractional CUBS having aduration less than a duration of an OFDM symbol period 820) but no fixedlength training sequence 835. In other examples, the synchronization oralignment signal may include a variable length training sequence 830 andat least one fixed length training sequence 835 (e.g., at least oneCUBS, each spanning an OFDM symbol period). In other examples, thesynchronization or alignment signal may include a fixed length trainingsequence 835 but no variable length training sequence 830. The variablelength training sequence 830 or fixed length training sequence 835(which may individually or collectively constitute a first signal) mayin some examples be used to align a downlink transmission with an OFDMsymbol period boundary 825 of an OFDM symbol period 820.

By way of example, FIG. 8 shows the first LTE/LTE-A subframe 810starting with an OFF time 840, followed by a variable length trainingsequence 830, a fixed length training sequence 835, and a downlinktransmission 845. In some examples, the OFF time 840 may have a durationof 100 microseconds (μsec), determined, for example, by a minimum OFFtime of 100 μsec for LBT-FBE transmissions and a maximum OFF time of 100μsec (5×20 μsec) for LBT-LBE transmissions.

FIG. 9 shows an example 900 of various transmissions over a shared radiofrequency spectrum band (e.g., an unlicensed radio frequency spectrumband), in accordance with an LBT-LBE protocol, and in accordance withvarious aspects of the present disclosure. By way of example, thetransmissions include downlink (D) transmissions and uplink (U)transmissions (collectively referred to as D/U transmissions) 905 overthe shared radio frequency spectrum band by devices in a first cell ofan operator, D/U transmissions 910 over the shared radio frequencyspectrum band by devices in a second cell of the operator, and Wi-Fitransmissions 915 over the shared radio frequency (RF) spectrum band.Each of the blocks labeled D or U represents a respective downlink (D)subframe transmitted by a base station or an uplink (U) subframetransmitted by a UE.

As shown, the number of uplink subframes transmitted by a device in thefirst cell of the operator, or a device in the second cell of theoperator, may vary from one LBT frame to another depending on the timeit takes the devices to perform a successful extended CCA (e.g., asuccessful UL ECCA). For example, a device in the first cell of theoperator may transmit three uplink subframes in each of a first LBTframe 920 and a third LBT frame 930, two subframes in a second LBT frame925, and one subframe in a fourth LBT frame 935. By way of furtherexample, a device in the second cell of the operator may transmit oneuplink subframe in the first LBT frame 920, two uplink subframes in thesecond LBT frame 925, three uplink subframes in the third LBT frame 930,and no uplink subframes in the fourth LBT frame 935. The time it takes adevice to perform a successful UL ECCA may depend, for example, oninterference created by Wi-Fi transmissions. As shown in FIG. 9, theWi-Fi transmissions 915 create interference with the transmissions 910over the shared radio frequency spectrum band by the devices in thesecond cell of the operator.

In some examples, power control may be provided for the downlinktransmissions or the uplink transmissions of a wireless communicationsystem. In some examples, power control may be provided fortransmissions over a shared radio frequency spectrum band. For powercontrol of LTE/LTE-A downlink transmissions, including LTE/LTE-Adownlink transmissions over a shared radio frequency spectrum band, thetotal transmission power of downlink transmissions by a cell may bebroadcast in a system information block one (SIB1). This may help a UEperform a path loss measurement. In some examples, a common referencesignal (CRS) in a downlink transmission may be power boosted. Whilepower control for control/data downlink transmissions may be largelyunspecified and left to implementation, there may be some practicallimitations on power control for control/data downlink transmissions.For example, power boosting of control/data downlink transmissions maybe limited to no more than a threshold (e.g., 6 dB). In some examples,traffic to pilot power ratio (TPR) may be fixed for high modulationorders (16 quadrature amplitude modulation (16 QAM) and above) of CRSbased physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). TPR may also be fixedfor demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) based PDSCH.

For power control of LTE/LTE-A uplink transmissions, including LTE/LTE-Auplink transmissions over a shared radio frequency spectrum band, bothopen-loop and closed-loop power control may be supported. In someexamples, an accumulative power control mode or an absolute powercontrol mode may be supported for physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)power control or sounding reference signal (SRS) power control. A UE maybe configured on higher layers regarding which power control mode(accumulative or absolute) is to be used by the UE for PUSCH powercontrol or SRS power control. In some examples, a configurable poweroffset may be provided between SRS power control and PUSCH powercontrol. A bandwidth difference between SRS power control and PUSCHpower control may also be provided for. In some examples, only anaccumulative power mode may be supported for physical uplink controlchannel (PUCCH) power control.

In an LTE/LTE-A network, power control for downlink transmissions oruplink transmissions may be provided on a per subframe basis.

When transmitting LTE/LTE-A communications over a shared radio frequencyspectrum band, maintaining a same total transmission power across thesubframes in a frame may help ensure that consistent interference levelsare seen in different subframes. For example, for downlinktransmissions, a same total transmission power may be maintained acrossthe subframes in a frame regardless of whether downlink CUBS or downlinkcontrol/data subframes are being transmitted. Similarly, for uplinktransmissions, a same total transmission power may be maintained acrossthe subframes in a frame regardless of whether uplink CUBS or uplinkcontrol/data subframes are being transmitted. Maintaining a same totaltransmission power and providing a consistent interference level toother nodes may help address hidden node issues. A “hidden node”experienced by an LTE/LTE-A cell operating over a shared radio frequencyspectrum band may be a node operated by a different LTE/LTE-A operator(which node may operate in a synchronous or asynchronous manner withrespect to the cell) or a node operated using a different technology(e.g., a Wi-Fi node). Potential downsides of maintaining a same totaltransmission power across the subframes in a frame may includescheduling/operation restrictions at a base station or increased powerconsumption at a UE. In some examples, the total transmission power maydiffer from a maximum transmission power and may be lower than themaximum transmission power of a node (e.g., a base station or UE),depending on power needs.

Two types of uplink resource allocation schemes are supported inLTE/LTE-A networks: Type 0 and Type 1. Type 0 is a contiguous uplinkresource allocation scheme. Uplink resource allocation is providedwithin each slot of a frame. Slot hopping may be enabled with a one-bitflag. The number of bits provided for uplink resource allocation may bedetermined by ceiling (log 2(N*(N+1)/2)), where N is the number ofphysical resource blocks (PRBs) in an uplink transmission (e.g., forN=100 PRBs or in a 20 MHz system, the number of bits provided for uplinkresource allocation may be 13).

Type 1 is a dual-cluster uplink resource allocation scheme. Slot hoppingis not provided. For downlink control information (DCI) format 0, thenumber of bits provided for uplink resource allocation may be determinedby 1+ceiling (log 2(N*(N+1)/2)). The additional one bit provided by Type1 over Type 0 is a result of there being no need for a one-bit flag forslot hopping. For DCI format 1, the number of bits provided for uplinkresource allocation may be determined by max{ceiling(log 2(N*(N+1)/2)),ceiling(log 2(Nchoosek(ceiling(N/P)+1,4)))}, where P is the resourceblock (RB) group size (up to 4 RBs, depending on system bandwidth).

Due to a possible need for a node (e.g., a base station or UE) totransmit continuously or because the duration of an uplink transmissionin a frame may dynamically change (e.g., as a result of needing toperform an extended CCA), multi-subframe scheduling may be necessary forLTE/LTE-A uplink transmissions in a shared radio frequency spectrumband. For example, a single uplink grant (or multiple uplink grants)transmitted in a downlink subframe may schedule uplink transmissions inone to N uplink subframes, where the number of uplink subframes isdynamically determined. For a joint uplink grant (e.g., an uplink grantthat schedules uplink transmissions in more than one uplink subframe),it may be expected that the uplink subframes share the same informationfor the majority of information fields in the joint uplink grant.However, some information fields may be individually defined for theuplink subframes. For example, a new data indicator (NDI) may beindividually defined for the uplink subframes, such that some uplinksubframes may have new transmissions and some uplink subframes may havere-transmissions. As another example, a request to transmit an SRS maybe enabled for a first uplink subframe corresponding to the joint uplinkgrant, but not to other uplink subframes corresponding to the jointuplink grant.

When a UE operates under an LBT-FBE protocol in a shared radio frequencyspectrum band, access to the shared radio frequency spectrum band iseither cleared or not cleared for an entire uplink transmission. Forexample, a UCCA procedure may be performed prior to or at thecommencement of the uplink transmission, and the success or failure ofthe UCCA procedure determines whether the uplink transmission is made,making uplink resource management fairly predictable. However, when a UEoperates under an LBT-LBE protocol in a shared radio frequency spectrumband, the success or failure of an extended UCCA procedure may not beknown until part or all of some of the uplink subframes during which theuplink transmission was assigned or intended to be made have passed. Asa result, scenarios may arise in which a fraction of the assigned orintended duration of the uplink transmission is available (e.g.,cleared) for the uplink transmission. Examples of such scenarios areshown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. 10 shows an example 1000 of an uplink transmission in a sharedradio frequency spectrum band (e.g., an unlicensed radio frequencyspectrum band), in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure. As shown, the uplink transmission may have an actualduration 1010 that is shorter than an assigned or intended duration 1005of the uplink transmission. As also shown, and by way of example, theassigned or intended duration 1005 may be four subframes. In someexamples, a base station (e.g., a base station 105, 205, or 205-adescribed with reference to FIG. 1 or 2) may configure or assign fouruplink subframes during a gating interval for an uplink transmission ina shared radio frequency spectrum band. However, because of the timeneeded by a UE to complete an extended CCA (ECCA) procedure 1015 orbecause of interference from other network nodes, the UE may be able toaccess the shared radio frequency spectrum band for a portion or none ofthe uplink subframes during which the uplink transmission was assignedor intended to be made.

In some examples, the CCA or ECCA procedure 1015 may succeed in themiddle of a subframe. In such an example, CUBS 1020 (includingfractional CUBS, in some examples) may be transmitted by a UE to reservethe shared radio frequency spectrum band until a next subframe boundary,as shown, for example, in FIG. 8. Various techniques for determining theuplink resources to use for the actual duration 1010 of the uplinktransmission are described with reference to FIGS. 12-15 and 18-24.

FIG. 11 shows an example 1100 of an uplink transmission in a sharedradio frequency spectrum band (e.g., an unlicensed radio frequencyspectrum band), in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure. As shown, the uplink transmission may have an actualduration 1110 that is shorter than an assigned or intended duration 1105of the uplink transmission. As also shown, and by way of example, theassigned or intended duration 1105 may be four subframes. In someexamples, a base station (e.g., a base station 105, 205, or 205-adescribed with reference to FIG. 1 or 2) may configure or assign fouruplink subframes during a gating interval for an uplink transmission ina shared radio frequency spectrum band. However, because of the timeneeded by a UE to complete an extended CCA (ECCA) procedure 1115 orbecause of interference from other network nodes, the UE may be able toaccess the shared radio frequency spectrum band for a portion or none ofthe uplink subframes during which the uplink transmission was assignedor intended to be made.

In some examples, the CCA or ECCA procedure 1115 may succeed in themiddle of a subframe. In such an example, CUBS 1120 (includingfractional CUBS, in some examples) may be transmitted by a UE to reservethe shared radio frequency spectrum band until a next symbol (which maybe an SC-FDM symbol, an OFDM symbol, etc.) period boundary, as shown,for example, in FIG. 8. Various techniques for determining the uplinkresources to use for the actual duration 1110 of the uplink transmissionare described with reference to FIGS. 12-15 and 18-24. In FIG. 11, theactual duration 1110 of the uplink transmission includes two full-lengthsubframes 1125 and 1130 and a shortened subframe 1135.

FIG. 12 shows a block diagram 1200 of an apparatus 1205 for use inwireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. In some examples, the apparatus 1205 may be anexample of aspects of one or more of the base stations 105, 205, or205-a described with reference to FIG. 1 or 2. The apparatus 1205 mayalso be a processor. The apparatus 1205 may include a receiver module1210, a wireless communication management module 1220, or a transmittermodule 1230. Each of these components may be in communication with eachother.

The components of the apparatus 1205 may, individually or collectively,be implemented using one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all ofthe applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions maybe performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integratedcircuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FPGAs, and otherSemi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known in theart. The functions of each unit may also be implemented, in whole or inpart, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to be executedby one or more general or application-specific processors.

In some examples, the receiver module 1210 may include at least oneradio frequency (RF) receiver, such as at least one RF receiver operableto receive transmissions over a first radio frequency spectrum band(e.g., a radio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses do notcontend for access because the radio frequency spectrum band is licensedto certain users for certain uses, such as a licensed radio frequencyspectrum band usable for LTE/LTE-A communications) or a second radiofrequency spectrum band (e.g., a shared radio frequency spectrum bandsuch as an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for whichapparatuses may need to contend for access because the radio frequencyspectrum band is available for unlicensed use, such as Wi-Fi use, or alicensed radio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses may need tocontend for access because the radio frequency spectrum band isavailable for use by two or more operators on a contention basis). Insome examples, the first radio frequency spectrum band or the secondradio frequency spectrum band may be used for LTE/LTE-A communications,as described, for example, with reference to FIG. 1 or 2. The receivermodule 1210 may be used to receive various types of data or controlsignals (i.e., transmissions) over one or more communication links of awireless communication system, such as one or more communication linksof the wireless communication system 100 or 200 described with referenceto FIG. 1 or 2. The communication links may be established over thefirst radio frequency spectrum band or the second radio frequencyspectrum band.

In some examples, the transmitter module 1230 may include at least oneRF transmitter, such as at least one RF transmitter operable to transmitover the first radio frequency spectrum band or the second radiofrequency spectrum band. The transmitter module 1230 may be used totransmit various types of data or control signals (i.e., transmissions)over one or more communication links of a wireless communication system,such as one or more communication links of the wireless communicationsystem 100 or 200 described with reference to FIG. 1 or 2. Thecommunication links may be established over the first radio frequencyspectrum band or the second radio frequency spectrum band.

In some examples, the wireless communication management module 1220 maybe used to manage one or more aspects of wireless communication for theapparatus 1205. In some examples, the wireless communication managementmodule 1220 may include an uplink resource assignment transmissionmodule 1235, an uplink transmission interval detection module 1240, oran uplink resource identification module 1245. Each of these componentsmay be in communication with each other.

In some examples, the uplink resource assignment transmission module1235 may be used to transmit one or more assignments of uplink resourcesto use for an uplink transmission in a shared radio frequency spectrumband. In some examples, transmitting one or more assignments of uplinkresources to use for an uplink transmission may include transmitting afirst assignment of uplink resources associated with a first intervalincluding a first duration, and transmitting a second assignment ofuplink resources associated with a second interval including a secondduration. The second duration may be different from the first duration.

In some examples, the uplink transmission interval detection module 1240may be used to detect a duration of the uplink transmission.

In some examples, the uplink resource identification module 1245 may beused to identify uplink resources used for the uplink transmission basedat least in part on the detecting performed by the uplink transmissioninterval detection module 1240. In some examples, identifying uplinkresources used for the uplink transmission may include performing blinddetection to identify the uplink resources used for the uplinktransmission, or receiving a signal indicating the uplink resources usedfor the uplink transmission, or mapping the detected duration of theuplink transmission to the uplink resources used for the uplinktransmission.

FIG. 13 shows a block diagram 1300 of an apparatus 1315 for use inwireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. In some examples, the apparatus 1315 may be anexample of aspects of one or more of the UEs 115, 215, 215-a, 215-b, or215-c described with reference to FIG. 1 or 2. The apparatus 1315 mayalso be a processor. The apparatus 1315 may include a receiver module1310, a wireless communication management module 1320, or a transmittermodule 1330. Each of these components may be in communication with eachother.

The components of the apparatus 1315 may, individually or collectively,be implemented using one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all ofthe applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions maybe performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integratedcircuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FPGAs, and otherSemi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known in theart. The functions of each unit may also be implemented, in whole or inpart, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to be executedby one or more general or application-specific processors.

In some examples, the receiver module 1310 may include at least oneradio frequency (RF) receiver, such as at least one RF receiver operableto receive transmissions over a first radio frequency spectrum band(e.g., a radio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses do notcontend for access because the radio frequency spectrum band is licensedto certain users for certain uses, such as a licensed radio frequencyspectrum band usable for LTE/LTE-A communications) or a second radiofrequency spectrum band (e.g., a shared radio frequency spectrum bandsuch as an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for whichapparatuses may need to contend for access because the radio frequencyspectrum band is available for unlicensed use, such as Wi-Fi use, or alicensed radio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses may need tocontend for access because the radio frequency spectrum band isavailable for use by two or more operators on a contention basis). Insome examples, the first radio frequency spectrum band or the secondradio frequency spectrum band may be used for LTE/LTE-A communications,as described, for example, with reference to FIG. 1 or 2. The receivermodule 1310 may be used to receive various types of data or controlsignals (i.e., transmissions) over one or more communication links of awireless communication system, such as one or more communication linksof the wireless communication system 100 or 200 described with referenceto FIG. 1 or 2. The communication links may be established over thefirst radio frequency spectrum band or the second radio frequencyspectrum band.

In some examples, the transmitter module 1330 may include at least oneRF transmitter, such as at least one RF transmitter operable to transmitover the first radio frequency spectrum band or the second radiofrequency spectrum band. The transmitter module 1330 may be used totransmit various types of data or control signals (i.e., transmissions)over one or more communication links of a wireless communication system,such as one or more communication links of the wireless communicationsystem 100 or 200 described with reference to FIG. 1 or 2. Thecommunication links may be established over the first radio frequencyspectrum band or the second radio frequency spectrum band.

In some examples, the wireless communication management module 1320 maybe used to manage one or more aspects of wireless communication for theapparatus 1315. In some examples, the wireless communication managementmodule 1320 may be used to contend for access to a shared radiofrequency spectrum band. In some examples, contending for access to theshared radio frequency spectrum band may include performing a CCAprocedure or an extended CCA procedure. In some examples, the wirelesscommunication management module 1320 may include a first intervalidentification module 1335, a second interval identification module1340, an interval comparison module 1345, or an uplink resourcesdetermination module 1350. Each of these components may be incommunication with each other.

In some examples, the first interval identification module 1335 may beused to identify a first interval for an uplink transmission in a sharedradio frequency spectrum band. In some examples, the first interval maybe an interval that a base station assigns or intends the apparatus 1315to use, assuming the apparatus 1315 successfully contends for access tothe shared radio frequency spectrum band by an assigned or intendedtime. Alternatively, the first interval may be another interval forwhich the base station has provided an assignment of uplink resources(e.g., at least one subframe or frequency subcarrier) to use for theuplink transmission.

In some examples, the second interval identification module 1340 may beused to identify a second interval for the uplink transmission. In someexamples, the second interval may be an interval that the apparatus 1315will actually use, which interval is dependent on when the apparatus1315 successfully contends for access to the shared radio frequencyspectrum band (e.g., successfully performs a CCA procedure or extendedCCA procedure).

In some examples, the interval comparison module 1345 may be used tocompare the first interval with the second interval.

In some examples, the first interval may include a first duration forthe uplink transmission and the second interval may include a secondduration for the uplink transmission. The second duration may bedifferent from the first duration. In these examples, the comparison ofthe first interval with the second interval performed by the intervalcomparison module 1345 may include comparing the first duration for theuplink transmission to the second duration for the uplink transmission.

In some examples, the uplink resources determination module 1350 may beused to determine uplink resources to use for the uplink transmissionbased at least in part on the comparison made by the interval comparisonmodule 1345.

FIG. 14 shows a block diagram 1400 of an apparatus 1415 for use inwireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. In some examples, the apparatus 1415 may be anexample of aspects of one or more of the UEs 115, 215, 215-a, 215-b, or215-c described with reference to FIG. 1 or 2, or aspects of theapparatus 1315 described with reference to FIG. 13. The apparatus 1415may also be a processor. The apparatus 1415 may include a receivermodule 1410, a wireless communication management module 1420, or atransmitter module 1430. Each of these components may be incommunication with each other.

The components of the apparatus 1415 may, individually or collectively,be implemented using one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all ofthe applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions maybe performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integratedcircuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FPGAs, and otherSemi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known in theart. The functions of each unit may also be implemented, in whole or inpart, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to be executedby one or more general or application-specific processors.

In some examples, the receiver module 1410 may include at least oneradio frequency (RF) receiver, such as at least one RF receiver operableto receive transmissions over a first radio frequency spectrum band(e.g., a radio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses do notcontend for access because the radio frequency spectrum band is licensedto certain users for certain uses, such as a licensed radio frequencyspectrum band usable for LTE/LTE-A communications) or a second radiofrequency spectrum band (e.g., a shared radio frequency spectrum bandsuch as an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for whichapparatuses may need to contend for access because the radio frequencyspectrum band is available for unlicensed use, such as Wi-Fi use, or alicensed radio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses may need tocontend for access because the radio frequency spectrum band isavailable for use by two or more operators on a contention basis). Insome examples, the first radio frequency spectrum band or the secondradio frequency spectrum band may be used for LTE/LTE-A communications,as described, for example, with reference to FIG. 1 or 2. The receivermodule 1410 may in some cases include separate receivers for the firstradio frequency spectrum band and the second radio frequency spectrumband. The separate receivers may, in some examples, take the form of anLTE/LTE-A receiver module for communicating over the first radiofrequency spectrum band (e.g., LTE/LTE-A receiver module for first RFspectrum band 1412), and an LTE/LTE-A receiver module for communicatingover the second radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., LTE/LTE-A receivermodule for second RF spectrum band 1414). The receiver module 1410,including the LTE/LTE-A receiver module for first RF spectrum band 1412or the LTE/LTE-A receiver module for second RF spectrum band 1414, maybe used to receive various types of data or control signals (i.e.,transmissions) over one or more communication links of a wirelesscommunication system, such as one or more communication links of thewireless communication system 100 or 200 described with reference toFIG. 1 or 2. The communication links may be established over the firstradio frequency spectrum band or the second radio frequency spectrumband.

In some examples, the transmitter module 1430 may include at least oneRF transmitter, such as at least one RF transmitter operable to transmitover the first radio frequency spectrum band or the second radiofrequency spectrum band. The transmitter module 1430 may in some casesinclude separate transmitters for the first radio frequency spectrumband and the second radio frequency spectrum band. The separatetransmitters may, in some examples, take the form of an LTE/LTE-Atransmitter module for communicating over the first radio frequencyspectrum band (e.g., LTE/LTE-A transmitter module for first RF spectrumband 1432), and an LTE/LTE-A transmitter module for communicating overthe second radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., LTE/LTE-A transmittermodule for second RF spectrum band 1434). The transmitter module 1430,including the LTE/LTE-A transmitter module for first RF spectrum band1432 or the LTE/LTE-A transmitter module for second RF spectrum band1434, may be used to transmit various types of data or control signals(i.e., transmissions) over one or more communication links of a wirelesscommunication system, such as one or more communication links of thewireless communication system 100 or 200 described with reference toFIG. 1 or 2. The communication links may be established over the firstradio frequency spectrum band or the second radio frequency spectrumband.

In some examples, the wireless communication management module 1420 maybe used to manage one or more aspects of wireless communication for theapparatus 1415. In some examples, the wireless communication managementmodule 1420 may be used to contend for access to a shared radiofrequency spectrum band. In some examples, contending for access to theshared radio frequency spectrum band may include performing a CCAprocedure or an extended CCA procedure. In some examples, the wirelesscommunication management module 1420 may include an uplink resourceassignment reception module 1435, a first interval identification module1440, a second interval identification module 1445, an intervalcomparison module 1450, or an uplink resources determination module1455. Each of these components may be in communication with each other.

In some examples, the uplink resource assignment reception module 1435may be used to receive a plurality of assignments of uplink resources touse for an uplink transmission in a shared radio frequency spectrumband. In some examples, the first interval may be an interval that abase station assigns or intends the apparatus 1415 to use, assuming theapparatus 1415 successfully contends for access to the shared radiofrequency spectrum band by an assigned or intended time. Alternatively,the first interval may be another interval for which the base stationhas provided an assignment of uplink resources to use for the uplinktransmission.

In some examples, the one or more assignments of uplink resources mayinclude a multi-transmission time interval (TTI) assignment of uplinkresources (e.g., an assignment for a transmission block (TB) spanningmultiple TTIs or subframes). In some examples, the one or moreassignments of uplink resources may correspond to different possibleintervals (e.g., hypotheses) that the apparatus 1415 may use for anuplink transmission. In some examples, the different possible intervalsmay include different possible durations for the uplink transmission.For example, for a given frame, there may be two possible durations forthe uplink transmission (e.g., a one subframe duration or a two subframeduration). A base station may therefore provide explicit assignments ofuplink resources for each possible interval or duration for the uplinktransmission (e.g., a first assignment of uplink resources for the caseof a first interval having a one subframe duration, and a secondassignment of uplink resources for the case of a second interval havinga two subframe duration). In some examples, the plurality of assignmentsof uplink resources (e.g., possible durations for the uplinktransmission) may be provided as individual uplink grants. In otherexamples, the plurality of assignments of uplink resources (e.g.,possible durations for the uplink transmission) may be provided in ajoint uplink grant. In the case of a joint uplink grant, someinformation fields may be shared among two or more of the assignments ofuplink resources, and some information fields may be individuallydefined for each of the assignments of uplink resources. Alternatively,all of the information fields may be individually defined in a jointuplink grant.

In some examples, the first interval identification module 1440 may beused to identify a first interval for an uplink transmission in a sharedradio frequency spectrum band. For example, the first intervalidentification module 1440 may identify the first interval from one ormore assignments received by the uplink resource assignment receptionmodule 1435. In some examples, the first interval may be an intervalthat a base station assigns or intends the apparatus 1415 to use,assuming the apparatus 1415 successfully contends for access to theshared radio frequency spectrum band by an assigned or intended time.Alternatively, the first interval may be another interval for which thebase station has provided an assignment of uplink resources (e.g., atleast one subframe or frequency subcarrier) to use for the uplinktransmission.

In some examples, the second interval identification module 1445 may beused to identify a second interval for the uplink transmission. In someexamples, the second interval may be an interval that the apparatus 1415will actually use, which interval is dependent on when the apparatus1415 successfully contends for access to the shared radio frequencyspectrum band (e.g., successfully performs a CCA procedure or extendedCCA procedure).

In some examples, the interval comparison module 1450 may be used tocompare the first interval with the second interval.

In some examples, the first interval may include a first duration forthe uplink transmission and the second interval may include a secondduration for the uplink transmission. The second duration may bedifferent from the first duration. In these examples, the comparison ofthe first interval with the second interval performed by the intervalcomparison module 1450 may include comparing the first duration for theuplink transmission to the second duration for the uplink transmission.

In some examples, the uplink resources determination module 1455 may beused to determine uplink resources to use for the uplink transmissionbased at least in part on the comparison made by the interval comparisonmodule 1450. In some examples, the uplink resources determination module1455 may include an uplink resource assignment selection module 1460.The uplink resource assignment selection module 1460 may be used todetermine uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission byselecting an assignment of uplink resources (e.g., from the plurality ofassignments received by the uplink resource assignment reception module1435) to use for the uplink transmission. For example, when an intervalthat a UE will actually use includes a duration of two subframes for theuplink transmission, the uplink resource assignment selection module1460 may select an assignment of uplink resources corresponding to anuplink transmission having a two subframe duration, or when an intervalthat a UE will actually use includes a duration of one subframe for theuplink transmission, the uplink resource assignment selection module1460 may select an assignment of uplink resources corresponding to anuplink transmission having a one subframe duration.

Following a determination of uplink resources to use for the uplinktransmission, the wireless communication management module 1420 mayinitiate transmission of the uplink transmission using the determineduplink resources.

FIG. 15 shows a block diagram 1500 of an apparatus 1515 for use inwireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. In some examples, the apparatus 1515 may be anexample of aspects of one or more of the UEs 115, 215, 215-a, 215-b, or215-c described with reference to FIG. 1 or 2, or aspects of theapparatus 1315 described with reference to FIG. 13. The apparatus 1515may also be a processor. The apparatus 1515 may include a receivermodule 1510, a wireless communication management module 1520, or atransmitter module 1530. Each of these components may be incommunication with each other.

The components of the apparatus 1515 may, individually or collectively,be implemented using one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all ofthe applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions maybe performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integratedcircuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FPGAs, and otherSemi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known in theart. The functions of each unit may also be implemented, in whole or inpart, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to be executedby one or more general or application-specific processors.

In some examples, the receiver module 1510 may include at least oneradio frequency (RF) receiver, such as at least one RF receiver operableto receive transmissions over a first radio frequency spectrum band(e.g., a radio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses do notcontend for access because the radio frequency spectrum band is licensedto certain users for certain uses, such as a licensed radio frequencyspectrum band usable for LTE/LTE-A communications) or a second radiofrequency spectrum band (e.g., a shared radio frequency spectrum bandsuch as an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for whichapparatuses may need to contend for access because the radio frequencyspectrum band is available for unlicensed use, such as Wi-Fi use, or alicensed radio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses may need tocontend for access because the radio frequency spectrum band isavailable for use by two or more operators on a contention basis). Insome examples, the first radio frequency spectrum band or the secondradio frequency spectrum band may be used for LTE/LTE-A communications,as described, for example, with reference to FIG. 1 or 2. The receivermodule 1510 may in some cases include separate receivers for the firstradio frequency spectrum band and the second radio frequency spectrumband. The separate receivers may, in some examples, take the form of anLTE/LTE-A receiver module for communicating over the first radiofrequency spectrum band (e.g., LTE/LTE-A receiver module for first RFspectrum band 1512), and an LTE/LTE-A receiver module for communicatingover the second radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., LTE/LTE-A receivermodule for second RF spectrum band 1514). The receiver module 1510,including the LTE/LTE-A receiver module for first RF spectrum band 1512or the LTE/LTE-A receiver module for second RF spectrum band 1514, maybe used to receive various types of data or control signals (i.e.,transmissions) over one or more communication links of a wirelesscommunication system, such as one or more communication links of thewireless communication system 100 or 200 described with reference toFIG. 1 or 2. The communication links may be established over the firstradio frequency spectrum band or the second radio frequency spectrumband.

In some examples, the transmitter module 1530 may include at least oneRF transmitter, such as at least one RF transmitter operable to transmitover the first radio frequency spectrum band or the second radiofrequency spectrum band. The transmitter module 1530 may in some casesinclude separate transmitters for the first radio frequency spectrumband and the second radio frequency spectrum band. The separatetransmitters may, in some examples, take the form of an LTE/LTE-Atransmitter module for communicating over the first radio frequencyspectrum band (e.g., LTE/LTE-A transmitter module for first RF spectrumband 1532), and an LTE/LTE-A transmitter module for communicating overthe second radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., LTE/LTE-A transmittermodule for second RF spectrum band 1534). The transmitter module 1530,including the LTE/LTE-A transmitter module for first RF spectrum band1532 or the LTE/LTE-A transmitter module for second RF spectrum band1534, may be used to transmit various types of data or control signals(i.e., transmissions) over one or more communication links of a wirelesscommunication system, such as one or more communication links of thewireless communication system 100 or 200 described with reference toFIG. 1 or 2. The communication links may be established over the firstradio frequency spectrum band or the second radio frequency spectrumband.

In some examples, the wireless communication management module 1520 maybe used to manage one or more aspects of wireless communication for theapparatus 1515. In some examples, the wireless communication managementmodule 1520 may be used to contend for access to a shared radiofrequency spectrum band. In some examples, contending for access to theshared radio frequency spectrum band may include performing a CCAprocedure or an extended CCA procedure. In some examples, the wirelesscommunication management module 1520 may include an uplink resourceassignment reception module 1535, a first interval identification module1540, a second interval identification module 1545, an intervalcomparison module 1550, an uplink resources determination module 1555,or a signaling module 1575. Each of these components may be incommunication with each other.

In some examples, the uplink resource assignment reception module 1535may be used to receive one or more assignments of uplink resources touse for an uplink transmission in a shared radio frequency spectrumband. In some examples, the first interval may be an interval that abase station assigns or intends the apparatus 1515 to use, assuming theapparatus 1515 successfully contends for access to the shared radiofrequency spectrum band by an assigned or intended time. Alternatively,the first interval may be another interval for which the base stationhas provided an assignment of uplink resources to use for the uplinktransmission.

In some examples, the one or more assignments of uplink resources mayinclude a multi-TTI assignment of uplink resources (e.g., an assignmentfor a TB spanning multiple TTIs or subframes). In some examples, the oneor more assignments of uplink resources may include a single assignmentof uplink resources based on an interval that a base station assigns orintends a UE performing the method 2100 to use, assuming the UEsuccessfully contends for access to the shared radio frequency spectrumband by an assigned or intended time. In other examples, the one or moreassignments of uplink resources may correspond to different possibleintervals (e.g., hypotheses) that the apparatus 1515 may use for anuplink transmission. In some examples, the different possible intervalsmay include different possible durations for the uplink transmission.For example, for a given frame, there may be two possible durations forthe uplink transmission (e.g., a one subframe duration or a two subframeduration). A base station may therefore provide explicit assignments ofuplink resources for each possible interval or duration for the uplinktransmission (e.g., a first assignment of uplink resources for the caseof a first interval having a one subframe duration, and a secondassignment of uplink resources for the case of a second interval havinga two subframe duration). In some examples, the plurality of assignmentsof uplink resources (e.g., possible durations for the uplinktransmission) may be provided as individual uplink grants. In otherexamples, the plurality of assignments of uplink resources (e.g.,possible durations for the uplink transmission) may be provided in ajoint uplink grant. In the case of a joint uplink grant, someinformation fields may be shared among two or more of the assignments ofuplink resources, and some information fields may be individuallydefined for each of the assignments of uplink resources. Alternatively,all of the information fields may be individually defined in a jointuplink grant.

In some examples, the first interval identification module 1540 may beused to identify a first interval for an uplink transmission in a sharedradio frequency spectrum band. For example, the first intervalidentification module 1540 may identify the first interval from one ormore assignments received by the uplink resource assignment receptionmodule 1535. In some examples, the first interval may be an intervalthat a base station assigns or intends the apparatus 1515 to use,assuming the apparatus 1515 successfully contends for access to theshared radio frequency spectrum band by an assigned or intended time.Alternatively, the first interval may be another interval for which thebase station has provided an assignment of uplink resources (e.g., atleast one subframe or frequency subcarrier) to use for the uplinktransmission.

In some examples, the second interval identification module 1545 may beused to identify a second interval for the uplink transmission. In someexamples, the second interval may be an interval that the apparatus 1515will actually use, which interval is dependent on when the apparatus1515 successfully contends for access to the shared radio frequencyspectrum band.

In some examples, the interval comparison module 1550 may be used tocompare the first interval with the second interval.

In some examples, the first interval may include a first duration forthe uplink transmission and the second interval may include a secondduration for the uplink transmission. The second duration may bedifferent from the first duration. In these examples, the comparison ofthe first interval with the second interval performed by the intervalcomparison module 1550 may include comparing the first duration for theuplink transmission to the second duration for the uplink transmission.

In some examples, the uplink resources determination module 1555 may beused to determine uplink resources to use for the uplink transmissionbased at least in part on the comparison made by the interval comparisonmodule 1550. In examples in which one or more than one assignment ofuplink resources to use for the uplink transmission is received by theuplink resource assignment reception module, the uplink resourcesdetermination module 1555 may also be used to select an assignment ofuplink resources to use for the uplink transmission. In some examples,the uplink resources determination module 1555 may include an uplinkresource assignment application module 1560, an uplink resourceparameter adjustment module 1565, or a multi-subframe assignmentapportionment module 1570.

In some examples, the uplink resource assignment application module 1560may be used to determine uplink resources to use for the uplinktransmission by applying, to the uplink transmission, a portion of anassignment of uplink resources associated with an interval or actualduration of the uplink transmission. For example, when the apparatus1515 receives an assignment of uplink resources based on an assigned orintended duration of the uplink transmission (e.g., a duration of anuplink transmission that a base station assigns or intends the apparatus1515 to make), but the apparatus 1515 will make an uplink transmissionhaving a shorter duration, the uplink resource assignment applicationmodule 1560 may apply, to the uplink transmission the apparatus 1515makes, a portion of the assignment of uplink resources (e.g., the uplinkresource assignment reception module 1535 may receive an assignment ofuplink resources corresponding to an uplink transmission having a foursubframe duration, but the apparatus 1515 may make an uplinktransmission having a two subframe duration, and the uplink resourceassignment application module 1560 may therefore apply a portion of theassignment of uplink resources to the uplink transmission the apparatus1515 makes (e.g., a portion of the assignment corresponding to twosubframes of the assignment of uplink resources)). As another example,the uplink resource assignment reception module 1535 may receive anassignment of uplink resources corresponding to an uplink transmissionhaving a four subframe duration, but the apparatus 1515 may make anuplink transmission having a duration of two full-length subframes andone partial-length subframe. In this latter example, the uplink resourceassignment application module 1560 may apply a portion of the assignmentof uplink resources to the uplink transmission the apparatus 1515 makes(e.g., a portion of the assignment corresponding to the two full-lengthsubframes and the one partial-length subframe).

In some examples, the uplink resource parameter adjustment module 1565may be used to determine uplink resources to use for the uplinktransmission by adjusting one or more parameters of the uplink resourcesto use for the uplink transmission. In some examples, the adjusting maybe performed autonomously by the apparatus 1515. An autonomousadjustment of one or more parameters of the uplink resources may beuseful when the apparatus 1515 receives a single assignment of uplinkresources for an uplink transmission, which single assignment of uplinkresources does not differentiate different possible intervals (e.g.,hypotheses) of uplink transmission durations (e.g., a different uplinktransmission duration based on fewer uplink subframes or a shorteneduplink subframe).

In one example of adjusting a parameter of the uplink resources for theuplink transmission, consider the receipt of a multi-TTI assignment ofuplink resources for a transmit block (TB) spanning multiple subframes.When the apparatus 1515 makes an uplink transmission having a durationthat is shorter than the assigned or intended duration of the TB, theuplink resource parameter adjustment module 1565 may increase thetransmit power of the uplink transmission. For example, if the apparatus1515 makes an uplink transmission having a duration that is half theassigned or intended duration of the TB, the uplink resource parameteradjustment module 1565 may increase the transmit power for the uplinktransmission (e.g., the uplink resource parameter adjustment module 1565may increase the transmit power by 3 dB). The uplink resource parameteradjustment module 1565 may also or alternatively adjust (e.g., decrease)the size of the TB or adjust a number of symbols (e.g., an SC-FDM orOFDM symbol) to align a reference boundary (e.g., symbol period boundaryor subframe boundary).

In another example of adjusting a parameter of the uplink resources forthe uplink transmission, when the apparatus 1515 makes an uplinktransmission having a duration that is shorter than a duration of anuplink transmission indicated in an assignment of uplink resources, theuplink resource parameter adjustment module 1565 may use a highermodulation and coding scheme (MCS) for the uplink transmission (e.g.,compared to an MCS indicated in the assignment of uplink resources).

In some examples, an autonomous adjustment of one or more parameters ofthe uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission may be based onone or more rules or a table. The one or more rules or table may in someexamples be provided to the apparatus 1515 by a base station, such thatthe base station and the apparatus 1515 have access to a common set ofrules or table. In some examples, a rule or table may map a duration ofan uplink transmission to a single value for a parameter of the uplinkresources (e.g., a one-to-one mapping). In other examples, a rule ortable may map a duration of an uplink transmission to a plurality ofvalues for a parameter of the uplink resources (e.g., a one-to-manymapping). In the case of a one-to-one mapping, the uplink resourceparameter adjustment module 1565 may adjust a single value of aparameter of the uplink resources based on an actual duration of anuplink transmission provided by the rule or table. The base station maydetermine the value of an adjusted parameter upon receiving or detectingthe actual duration of an uplink transmission. In the case of aone-to-many mapping, the uplink resource parameter adjustment module1565 may select a value from a plurality of values of a parameter of theuplink resources based on an actual duration of an uplink transmissionprovided by the rule or table, and may adjust the parameter of theuplink resources based on the selected value. The base station may needto perform a blind detection to determine the value of an adjustedparameter. Alternatively, the apparatus 1515 may indicate the value ofan adjusted parameter (e.g., an adjusted MCS) via signaling (e.g., viauplink CUBS or another channel). For example, the signaling module 1575may be used to signal, to a base station, an indicator that indicates avalue of at least one of the adjusted one or more parameters of theuplink resources.

In some examples, the multi-subframe assignment apportionment module1570 may be used to determine uplink resources to use for the uplinktransmission by selecting at least one assignment of uplink resourcescorresponding to a portion of the first interval. For example, when theapparatus 1515 receives a multi-TTI assignment of uplink resourcescorresponding to the first interval, which multi-TTI assignment ofuplink resources is based on an assigned or intended duration of theuplink transmission (e.g., a duration of an uplink transmission that abase station assigns or intends the apparatus 1515 to make), but theapparatus 1515 will make an uplink transmission having an actualduration that is shorter than the assigned or intended duration (whichactual duration corresponds to the second interval), then themulti-subframe assignment apportionment module 1570 may select at leastone assignment of uplink resources corresponding to a portion of thefirst interval. Consider, for example, that the assigned or intendedduration of the uplink transmission is four subframes, and the actualduration of the uplink transmission is two subframes. In such anexample, the multi-subframe assignment apportionment module 1570 mayselect at least one assignment of uplink resources corresponding to afirst portion of the first interval (e.g., at least one assignment ofuplink resources corresponding to the first two of the four subframes ofthe first interval). For example, the multi-subframe assignmentapportionment module 1570 may select a first assignment (e.g., a firstsubframe assignment) of uplink resources corresponding to the firstinterval. Such a selection may be advantageous, for example, if theapparatus 1515 was only scheduled to transmit in the first two subframesof the first interval (and thus, the apparatus 1515 may transmit thedata it was assigned or intended to transmit, despite transmitting thedata later than it was assigned or intended to be transmitted).

Following a determination of uplink resources to use for the uplinktransmission, the wireless communication management module 1520 mayinitiate transmission of the uplink transmission using the determineduplink resources.

In some examples, selecting at least one assignment of uplink resourcescorresponding to a portion of the first interval may require use ormodification of one or more parameters that are not applicable to adifferent subframe index. For example, it may be undesirable to transmita sounding reference signal (SRS) triggered for a first subframe of aninterval during a later subframe of the interval. In the case of aphysical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmission, an actual PUSCHtransmission may be adjusted based on an actual subframe index (e.g.,since some PUSCH parameters (e.g., PUSCH hopping, demodulation referencesignal (DM-RS) sequence generation, etc.) may be associated with asubframe index).

In some examples, the multi-subframe assignment apportionment module1570 may be used to determine uplink resources to use for the uplinktransmission by selecting at least one assignment of uplink resourcesbased at least in part on a subframe index associated with the firstinterval. For example, when the apparatus 1515 receives a multi-TTIassignment of uplink resources corresponding to the first interval,which multi-TTI assignment of uplink resources is based on an assignedor intended duration of the uplink transmission (e.g., a duration of anuplink transmission that a base station assigns or intends the apparatus1515 to make), but the apparatus 1515 will make an uplink transmissionhaving an actual duration that is shorter than the assigned or intendedduration (which actual duration corresponds to the second interval),then the multi-subframe assignment apportionment module 1570 may selectat least one assignment of uplink resources based at least in part on asubframe index associated with the first interval. Consider, forexample, that the assigned or intended duration of the uplinktransmission is four subframes, and the actual duration of the uplinktransmission is two subframes. Also consider that the four subframes inthe assigned or intended duration of the uplink transmission arerespectively associated with subframe indexes SF_5, SF_6, SF_7, andSF_8, and that the uplink transmission to be transmitted by theapparatus 1515 will begin in a subframe having subframe index SF_7. Insuch an example, the multi-subframe assignment apportionment module 1570may select the assignments of uplink resources corresponding to subframeindexes SF_7 and SF_8 of the first interval.

Selecting at least one assignment of uplink resources based at least inpart on a subframe index associated with the first interval may betteralign an uplink transmission with an original intention of a basestation (e.g., in terms of physical hybrid automatic repeat request(HARQ) indicator channel (PHICH) resource management (e.g., for uplinksynchronization HARQ), based on a starting physical resource block (PRB)and cyclic shift used by a DM-RS, or in terms of PUSCH hopping (e.g., iftied with a subframe index)). Such a selection may be advantageous whenmulti-TTI scheduling for the apparatus 1515 is such that the apparatus1515 is scheduled to transmit in all uplink subframes of the firstinterval. When the apparatus 1515 is not scheduled to transmit in alluplink subframes, selection of one or more assignments of uplinkresources corresponding to later subframes in the first interval mayresult in the apparatus 1515 not being able to transmit data.

In any of the apparatus 1315, 1415, or 1515 described with reference toFIG. 13, 14, or 15, it may be desirable to keep uplink transmit powerthe same across different subframes of an uplink transmission. In someexamples, an apparatus may be configured to assume that the uplink powercontrol commands in an assignments of uplink resources corresponding toan interval that a base station assigns or intends the apparatus to useare valid and apply them accordingly, even when an actual duration of anuplink transmission by the apparatus 1515 is shorter than an assigned orintended duration of the uplink transmission. In some examples, anuplink power control adjustment for an uplink transmission may only bemade once, at the beginning of an uplink transmission. Thus, it may beexpected in these examples that there is one power control command forthe duration of the uplink transmission, and the power control commandmay be applied to the uplink transmission regardless of the actualduration of the uplink transmission.

In any of the apparatus 1315, 1415, or 1515 described with reference toFIG. 13, 14, or 15, the application of one or more assignments of uplinkresources to an uplink transmission having an actual duration that isshorter than an assigned or intended duration may result in the uplinktransmission not being made. In these examples, and when an uplinktransmission falls under a measurement gap, a current transmissionnumber (CURRENT_TX_NB) parameter may be incremented, counting against amaximum number of uplink retransmissions for a TB configured for theapparatus. In other examples, the CURRENT_TX_NB parameter may not beincremented when an uplink transmission is not made.

In any of the apparatus 1315, 1415, or 1515 described with reference toFIG. 13, 14, or 15, PHICH may be used for non-adaptive uplinkre-transmissions (e.g., synchronous uplink HARQ). When an actualduration of an uplink transmission is shorter than an assigned orintended duration of the uplink transmission, and consequently, there isa lesser number of uplink TBs, an apparatus may treat the TBs of misseduplink transmissions as if an acknowledgement (ACK) has been receivedfor the TBs of the missed uplink transmissions. When there is apossibility of acknowledgement/non-acknowledgement (ACK/NAK) bundling,an apparatus may assume that the TBs of the missed uplink transmissionsare not involved in the ACK/NAK bundling (and equivalently, the ACK/NAKbundling may assume that the TBs of the missed uplink transmissions areACKed).

FIG. 16 shows a block diagram 1600 of a base station 1605 (e.g., a basestation forming part or all of an eNB) for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure. In some examples, the base station 1605 may be an example ofone or more aspects of the base station 105, 205, or 205-a describedwith reference to FIG. 1 or 2, or one or more aspects of the apparatus1205 described with reference to FIG. 12. The base station 1605 may beconfigured to implement or facilitate at least some of the base stationor apparatus features and functions described with reference to FIG. 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11.

The base station 1605 may include a base station processor module 1610,a base station memory module 1620, at least one base station transceivermodule (represented by base station transceiver module(s) 1650), atleast one base station antenna (represented by base station antenna(s)1655), or a base station wireless communication management module 1660.The base station 1605 may also include one or more of a base stationcommunications module 1630 or a network communications module 1640. Eachof these components may be in communication with each other, directly orindirectly, over one or more buses 1635.

The base station memory module 1620 may include random access memory(RAM) or read-only memory (ROM). The base station memory module 1620 maystore computer-readable, computer-executable code 1625 containinginstructions that are configured to, when executed, cause the basestation processor module 1610 to perform various functions describedherein related to wireless communication. Alternatively, the code 1625may not be directly executable by the base station processor module 1610but be configured to cause the base station 1605 (e.g., when compiledand executed) to perform various of the functions described herein.

The base station processor module 1610 may include an intelligenthardware device, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), amicrocontroller, an ASIC, etc. The base station processor module 1610may process information received through the base station transceivermodule(s) 1650, the base station communications module 1630, or thenetwork communications module 1640. The base station processor module1610 may also process information to be sent to the transceivermodule(s) 1650 for transmission through the antenna(s) 1655, to the basestation communications module 1630, for transmission to one or moreother base stations 1605-a and 1605-b, or to the network communicationsmodule 1640 for transmission to a core network 1645, which may be anexample of one or more aspects of the core network 130 described withreference to FIG. 1. The base station processor module 1610 may handle,alone or in connection with the base station wireless communicationmanagement module 1660, various aspects of communicating over (ormanaging communications over) a first radio frequency spectrum band(e.g., a radio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses do notcontend for access because the radio frequency spectrum band is licensedto certain users for certain uses, such as a licensed radio frequencyspectrum band usable for LTE/LTE-A communications) or a second radiofrequency spectrum band (e.g., a shared radio frequency spectrum bandsuch as an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for whichapparatuses may need to contend for access because the radio frequencyspectrum band is available for unlicensed use, such as Wi-Fi use, or alicensed radio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses may need tocontend for access because the radio frequency spectrum band isavailable for use by two or more operators on a contention basis).

The base station transceiver module(s) 1650 may include a modemconfigured to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to thebase station antenna(s) 1655 for transmission, and to demodulate packetsreceived from the base station antenna(s) 1655. The base stationtransceiver module(s) 1650 may, in some examples, be implemented as oneor more base station transmitter modules and one or more separate basestation receiver modules. The base station transceiver module(s) 1650may support communications in the first radio frequency spectrum band orthe second radio frequency spectrum band. The base station transceivermodule(s) 1650 may be configured to communicate bi-directionally, viathe antenna(s) 1655, with one or more mobile stations or apparatuses,such as one or more of the UEs 115, 215, 215-a, 215-b, or 215-cdescribed with reference to FIG. 1 or 2, or one or more of the apparatus1315, 1415, or 1515 described with reference to FIG. 13, 14, or 15. Thebase station 1605 may, for example, include multiple base stationantennas 1655 (e.g., an antenna array). The base station 1605 maycommunicate with the core network 1645 through the networkcommunications module 1640. The base station 1605 may also communicatewith other base stations, such as the base stations 1605-a and 1605-b,using the base station communications module 1630.

The base station wireless communication management module 1660 may beconfigured to perform or control some or all of the features orfunctions described with reference to FIG. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, or 11 related to wireless communication over the first radiofrequency spectrum band or the second radio frequency spectrum band. Forexample, the base station wireless communication management module 1660may be configured to support a supplemental downlink mode, a carrieraggregation mode, or a standalone mode using the first radio frequencyspectrum band or the second radio frequency spectrum band. The basestation wireless communication management module 1660 may include a basestation LTE/LTE-A module for licensed spectrum 1665 configured to handleLTE/LTE-A communications in the first radio frequency spectrum band, anda base station LTE/LTE-A module for unlicensed spectrum 1670 configuredto handle LTE/LTE-A communications in the second radio frequencyspectrum band. The base station wireless communication management module1660, or portions of it, may include a processor, or some or all of thefunctions of the base station wireless communication management module1660 may be performed by the base station processor module 1610 or inconnection with the base station processor module 1610. In someexamples, the base station wireless communication management module 1660may be an example of the wireless communication management module 1220described with reference to FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 shows a block diagram 1700 of a UE 1715 for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure. The UE 1715 may have various configurations and may beincluded or be part of a personal computer (e.g., a laptop computer, anetbook computer, a tablet computer, etc.), a cellular telephone, a PDA,a digital video recorder (DVR), an internet appliance, a gaming console,an e-reader, etc. The UE 1715 may, in some examples, have an internalpower supply (not shown), such as a small battery, to facilitate mobileoperation. In some examples, the UE 1715 may be an example of one ormore aspects of the UE 115, 215, 215-a, 215-b, or 215-c described withreference to FIG. 1 or 2, or one or more aspects of the apparatus 1315,1415, or 1515 described with reference to FIG. 13, 14, or 15. The UE1715 may be configured to implement at least some of the UE or apparatusfeatures and functions described with reference to FIG. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11.

The UE 1715 may include a UE processor module 1710, a UE memory module1720, at least one UE transceiver module (represented by UE transceivermodule(s) 1730), at least one UE antenna (represented by UE antenna(s)1740), or a UE wireless communication management module 1760. Each ofthese components may be in communication with each other, directly orindirectly, over one or more buses 1735.

The UE memory module 1720 may include RAM or ROM. The UE memory module1720 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 1725containing instructions that are configured to, when executed, cause theUE processor module 1710 to perform various functions described hereinrelated to wireless communication. Alternatively, the code 1725 may notbe directly executable by the UE processor module 1710 but be configuredto cause the UE 1715 (e.g., when compiled and executed) to performvarious of the functions described herein.

The UE processor module 1710 may include an intelligent hardware device,e.g., a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, etc. The UE processor module1710 may process information received through the UE transceivermodule(s) 1730 or information to be sent to the UE transceiver module(s)1730 for transmission through the UE antenna(s) 1740. The UE processormodule 1710 may handle, alone or in connection with the UE wirelesscommunication management module 1760, various aspects of communicatingover (or managing communications over) a first radio frequency spectrumband (e.g., a radio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses do notcontend for access because the radio frequency spectrum band is licensedto certain users for certain uses, such as a licensed radio frequencyspectrum band usable for LTE/LTE-A communications) or a second radiofrequency spectrum band (e.g., a shared radio frequency spectrum bandsuch as an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band for whichapparatuses may need to contend for access because the radio frequencyspectrum band is available for unlicensed use, such as Wi-Fi use, or alicensed radio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses may need tocontend for access because the radio frequency spectrum band isavailable for use by two or more operators on a contention basis).

The UE transceiver module(s) 1730 may include a modem configured tomodulate packets and provide the modulated packets to the UE antenna(s)1740 for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the UEantenna(s) 1740. The UE transceiver module(s) 1730 may, in someexamples, be implemented as one or more UE transmitter modules and oneor more separate UE receiver modules. The UE transceiver module(s) 1730may support communications in the first radio frequency spectrum band orthe second radio frequency spectrum band. The UE transceiver module(s)1730 may be configured to communicate bi-directionally, via the UEantenna(s) 1740, with one or more of the base stations 105, 205, 205-a,or 1605 described with reference to FIG. 1, 2, or 16, or one or more ofthe apparatus 1205 described with reference to FIG. 12. While the UE1715 may include a single UE antenna, there may be examples in which theUE 1715 may include multiple UE antennas 1740.

The UE state module 1750 may be used, for example, to manage transitionsof the UE 1715 between a radio resource control (RRC) idle state and anRRC connected state, and may be in communication with other componentsof the UE 1715, directly or indirectly, over the one or more buses 1735.The UE state module 1750, or portions of it, may include a processor, orsome or all of the functions of the UE state module 1750 may beperformed by the UE processor module 1710 or in connection with the UEprocessor module 1710.

The UE wireless communication management module 1760 may be configuredto perform or control some or all of the features or functions describedwith reference to FIG. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 related towireless communication over the first radio frequency spectrum band orthe second radio frequency spectrum band. For example, the UE wirelesscommunication management module 1760 may be configured to support asupplemental downlink mode, carrier aggregation mode, or standalone modeusing the first radio frequency spectrum band or the second radiofrequency spectrum band. The UE wireless communication management module1760 may include a UE LTE/LTE-A module for licensed spectrum 1765configured to handle LTE/LTE-A communications in the first radiofrequency spectrum band, and a UE LTE/LTE-A module for unlicensedspectrum 1770 configured to handle LTE/LTE-A communications in thesecond radio frequency spectrum. The UE wireless communicationmanagement module 1760, or portions of it, may include a processor, orsome or all of the functions of the UE wireless communication managementmodule 1760 may be performed by the UE processor module 1710 or inconnection with the UE processor module 1710. In some examples, the UEwireless communication management module 1760 may be an example of thewireless communication management module 1320, 1420, or 1520 describedwith reference to FIG. 13, 14, or 15.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 1800 forwireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. For clarity, the method 1800 is described below withreference to aspects of one or more of the base stations 105, 205,205-a, or 1605 described with reference to FIG. 1, 2, or 16, or aspectsof the apparatus 1205 described with reference to FIG. 12. In someexamples a base station or apparatus may execute one or more sets ofcodes to control the functional elements of the base station orapparatus to perform the functions described below.

At block 1805, the method 1800 may include transmitting one or moreassignments of uplink resources to use for an uplink transmission in ashared radio frequency spectrum band. In some examples, the shared radiofrequency spectrum band may include an unlicensed radio frequencyspectrum band. In some examples, the shared radio frequency spectrumband may include a licensed radio frequency spectrum band shared by twoor more operators. The unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band may be aradio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses may need to contendfor access because the radio frequency spectrum band is available forunlicensed use, such as Wi-Fi use. The licensed radio frequency spectrumband may be a radio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses mayneed to contend for access because the radio frequency spectrum band isavailable for use by the two or more operators on a contention basis.The operation(s) at block 1805 may be performed using the wirelesscommunication management module 1220 or 1660 described with reference toFIG. 12 or 16, or the uplink resource assignment transmission module1235 described with reference to FIG. 12.

In some examples of the method 1800, the transmitting one or moreassignments of uplink resources to use for an uplink transmission mayinclude transmitting a first assignment of uplink resources associatedwith a first interval including a first duration, and transmitting asecond assignment of uplink resources associated with a second intervalincluding a second duration. The second duration may be different fromthe first duration.

At block 1810, the method 1800 may include detecting a duration of theuplink transmission. The operation(s) at block 1810 may be performedusing the wireless communication management module 1220 or 1660described with reference to FIG. 12 or 16, or the uplink transmissioninterval detection module 1240 described with reference to FIG. 12.

At block 1815, the method 1800 may include identifying uplink resourcesused for the uplink transmission based at least in part on thedetecting. The operation(s) at block 1815 may be performed using thewireless communication management module 1220 or 1660 described withreference to FIG. 12 or 16, or the uplink resource identification module1245 described with reference to FIG. 12.

In some examples of the method 1800, the identifying uplink resourcesused for the uplink transmission may include performing blind detectionto identify the uplink resources used for the uplink transmission, orreceiving a signal indicating the uplink resources used for the uplinktransmission, or mapping the detected duration of the uplinktransmission to the uplink resources used for the uplink transmission.

Thus, the method 1800 may provide for wireless communication. It shouldbe noted that the method 1800 is just one implementation and that theoperations of the method 1800 may be rearranged or otherwise modifiedsuch that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 1900 forwireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. For clarity, the method 1900 is described below withreference to aspects of one or more of the UEs 115, 215, 215-a, 215-b,215-c, or 1715 described with reference to FIG. 1, 2, or 17, or aspectsof one or more of the apparatus 1315, 1415, or 1515 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, or 15. In some examples, a UE or apparatus mayexecute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements ofthe UE or apparatus to perform the functions described below.

At block 1905, the method 1900 may include identifying a first intervalfor an uplink transmission in a shared radio frequency spectrum band. Insome examples, the shared radio frequency spectrum band may include anunlicensed radio frequency spectrum band. In some examples, the sharedradio frequency spectrum band may include a licensed radio frequencyspectrum band shared by two or more operators. The unlicensed radiofrequency spectrum band may be a radio frequency spectrum band for whichapparatuses may need to contend for access because the radio frequencyspectrum band is available for unlicensed use, such as Wi-Fi use. Thelicensed radio frequency spectrum band may be a radio frequency spectrumband for which apparatuses may need to contend for access because theradio frequency spectrum band is available for use by the two or moreoperators on a contention basis.

In some examples, the first interval may be an interval that a basestation assigns or intends a UE performing the method 1900 to use,assuming the UE successfully contends for access to the shared radiofrequency spectrum band by an assigned or intended time. Alternatively,the first interval may be another interval for which the base stationhas provided an assignment of uplink resources (e.g., at least onesubframe or frequency subcarrier) to use for the uplink transmission.

The operation(s) at block 1905 may be performed using the wirelesscommunication management module 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, or the first intervalidentification module 1335, 1440, or 1540 described with reference toFIG. 13, 14, or 15.

At block 1910, the method 1900 may include identifying a second intervalfor the uplink transmission. In some examples, the second interval maybe an interval that a UE performing the method 1900 will actually use,which interval is dependent on when the UE successfully contends foraccess to the shared radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., successfullyperforms a CCA procedure or extended CCA procedure). The operation(s) atblock 1910 may be performed using the wireless communication managementmodule 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described with reference to FIG. 13,14, 15, or 17, or the second interval identification module 1340, 1445,or 1545 described with reference to FIG. 13, 14, or 15.

At block 1915, the method 1900 may include comparing the first intervalwith the second interval. The operation(s) at block 1915 may beperformed using the wireless communication management module 1320, 1420,1520, or 1760 described with reference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, or theinterval comparison module 1345, 1450, or 1550 described with referenceto FIG. 13, 14, or 15.

In some examples of the method 1900, the first interval may include afirst duration for the uplink transmission and the second interval mayinclude a second duration for the uplink transmission. The secondduration may be different from the first duration. In these examples,the comparing the first interval with the second interval may includecomparing the first duration for the uplink transmission to the secondduration for the uplink transmission.

At block 1920, the method 1900 may include determining uplink resourcesto use for the uplink transmission based at least in part on thecomparison of the first interval with the second interval. Theoperation(s) at block 1920 may be performed using the wirelesscommunication management module 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, or the uplink resourcesdetermination module 1350, 1455, or 1555 described with reference toFIG. 13, 14, or 15.

After determining uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission,the method 1900 may proceed with transmitting the uplink transmissionusing the determined uplink resources.

Thus, the method 1900 may provide for wireless communication. It shouldbe noted that the method 1900 is just one implementation and that theoperations of the method 1900 may be rearranged or otherwise modifiedsuch that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 2000 forwireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. For clarity, the method 2000 is described below withreference to aspects of one or more of the UEs 115, 215, 215-a, 215-b,215-c, or 1715 described with reference to FIG. 1, 2, or 17, or aspectsof one or more of the apparatus 1315, 1415, or 1515 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, or 15. In some examples, a UE or apparatus mayexecute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements ofthe UE or apparatus to perform the functions described below.

At block 2005, the method 2000 may include receiving a plurality ofassignments of uplink resources to use for an uplink transmission in ashared radio frequency spectrum band. In some examples, the shared radiofrequency spectrum band may include an unlicensed radio frequencyspectrum band. In some examples, the shared radio frequency spectrumband may include a licensed radio frequency spectrum band shared by twoor more operators. The unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band may be aradio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses may need to contendfor access because the radio frequency spectrum band is available forunlicensed use, such as Wi-Fi use. The licensed radio frequency spectrumband may be a radio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses mayneed to contend for access because the radio frequency spectrum band isavailable for use by the two or more operators on a contention basis.

In some examples, the one or more assignments of uplink resources mayinclude a multi-TTI assignment of uplink resources (e.g., an assignmentfor a TB spanning multiple TTIs or subframes). In some examples, the oneor more assignments of uplink resources may correspond to differentpossible intervals (e.g., hypotheses) that a UE may use for an uplinktransmission. In some examples, the different possible intervals mayinclude different possible durations for the uplink transmission. Forexample, for a given frame, there may be two possible durations for theuplink transmission (e.g., a one subframe duration or a two subframeduration). A base station may therefore provide explicit assignments ofuplink resources for each possible interval or duration for the uplinktransmission (e.g., a first assignment of uplink resources for the caseof a first interval having a one subframe duration, and a secondassignment of uplink resources for the case of a second interval havinga two subframe duration). In some examples, the plurality of assignmentsof uplink resources (e.g., possible durations for the uplinktransmission) may be provided as individual uplink grants. In otherexamples, the plurality of assignments of uplink resources (e.g.,possible durations for the uplink transmission) may be provided in ajoint uplink grant. In the case of a joint uplink grant, someinformation fields may be shared among two or more of the assignments ofuplink resources, and some information fields may be individuallydefined for each of the assignments of uplink resources. Alternatively,all of the information fields may be individually defined in a jointuplink grant.

The operation(s) at block 2005 may be performed using the wirelesscommunication management module 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, or the uplink resource assignmentreception module 1435 described with reference to FIG. 14.

At block 2010, the method 2000 may include identifying a first intervalfor the uplink transmission. In some examples, the first interval may beidentified from one or more assignments received at block 2005. In someexamples, the first interval may be an interval that a base stationassigns or intends a UE performing the method 2000 to use, assuming theUE successfully contends for access to the shared radio frequencyspectrum band by an assigned or intended time. Alternatively, the firstinterval may be another interval for which the base station has providedan assignment of uplink resources (e.g., at least one subframe orfrequency subcarrier) to use for the uplink transmission. Theoperation(s) at block 2010 may be performed using the wirelesscommunication management module 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, or the first intervalidentification module 1335 or 1440 described with reference to FIG. 13or 14.

At block 2015, the method 2000 may include identifying a second intervalfor the uplink transmission. In some examples, the second interval maybe an interval that a UE performing the method 2000 will actually use,which interval is dependent on when the UE successfully contends foraccess to the shared radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., successfullyperforms a CCA procedure or extended CCA procedure). The operation(s) atblock 2015 may be performed using the wireless communication managementmodule 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described with reference to FIG. 13,14, 15, or 17, or the second interval identification module 1340 or 1445described with reference to FIG. 13 or 14.

At block 2020, the method 2000 may include comparing the first intervalwith the second interval. The operation(s) at block 2020 may beperformed using the wireless communication management module 1320, 1420,1520, or 1760 described with reference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, or theinterval comparison module 1345 or 1450 described with reference to FIG.13 or 14.

In some examples of the method 2000, the first interval may include afirst duration for the uplink transmission and the second interval mayinclude a second duration for the uplink transmission. The secondduration may be different from the first duration. In these examples,the comparing the first interval with the second interval may includecomparing the first duration for the uplink transmission to the secondduration for the uplink transmission.

At block 2025, the method 2000 may include determining uplink resourcesto use for the uplink transmission based at least in part on thecomparison of the first interval with the second interval. Thedetermining uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission mayinclude selecting an assignment of uplink resources (e.g., from theplurality of assignments received at block 2005) to use for the uplinktransmission. For example, when an interval that a UE will actually useincludes a duration of two subframes for the uplink transmission, anassignment of uplink resources corresponding to an uplink transmissionhaving a two subframe duration may be selected, or when an interval thata UE will actually use includes a duration of one subframe for theuplink transmission, an assignment of uplink resources corresponding toan uplink transmission having a one subframe duration may be selected.The operation(s) at block 2025 may be performed using the wirelesscommunication management module 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, the uplink resources determinationmodule 1350 or 1455 described with reference to FIG. 13 or 14, or theuplink resource assignment selection module 1460 described withreference to FIG. 14.

After determining uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission,the method 2000 may proceed with transmitting the uplink transmissionusing the determined uplink resources.

Thus, the method 2000 may provide for wireless communication. It shouldbe noted that the method 2000 is just one implementation and that theoperations of the method 2000 may be rearranged or otherwise modifiedsuch that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 2100 forwireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. For clarity, the method 2100 is described below withreference to aspects of one or more of the UEs 115, 215, 215-a, 215-b,215-c, or 1715 described with reference to FIG. 1, 2, or 17, or aspectsof one or more of the apparatus 1315, 1415, or 1515 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, or 15. In some examples, a UE or apparatus mayexecute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements ofthe UE or apparatus to perform the functions described below.

At block 2105, the method 2100 may include receiving one or moreassignments of uplink resources to use for an uplink transmission in ashared radio frequency spectrum band. In some examples, the shared radiofrequency spectrum band may include an unlicensed radio frequencyspectrum band. In some examples, the shared radio frequency spectrumband may include a licensed radio frequency spectrum band shared by twoor more operators. The unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band may be aradio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses may need to contendfor access because the radio frequency spectrum band is available forunlicensed use, such as Wi-Fi use. The licensed radio frequency spectrumband may be a radio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses mayneed to contend for access because the radio frequency spectrum band isavailable for use by the two or more operators on a contention basis.

In some examples, the one or more assignments of uplink resources mayinclude a multi-TTI assignment of uplink resources (e.g., an assignmentfor a TB spanning multiple TTIs or subframes). In some examples, the oneor more assignments of uplink resources may include a single assignmentof uplink resources based on an interval that a base station assigns orintends a UE performing the method 2100 to use, assuming the UEsuccessfully contends for access to the shared radio frequency spectrumband by an assigned or intended time. In other examples, the one or moreassignments of uplink resources may correspond to different possibleintervals (e.g., hypotheses) that a UE may use for an uplinktransmission. In some examples, the different possible intervals mayinclude different possible durations for the uplink transmission. Forexample, for a given frame, there may be two possible durations for theuplink transmission (e.g., a one subframe duration or a two subframeduration). A base station may therefore provide explicit assignments ofuplink resources for each possible interval or duration for the uplinktransmission (e.g., a first assignment of uplink resources for the caseof a first interval having a one subframe duration, and a secondassignment of uplink resources for the case of a second interval havinga two subframe duration). In some examples, a plurality of assignmentsof uplink resources (e.g., possible durations for the uplinktransmission) may be provided as individual uplink grants. In otherexamples, a plurality of assignments of uplink resources (e.g., possibledurations for the uplink transmission) may be provided in a joint uplinkgrant. In the case of a joint uplink grant, some information fields maybe shared among two or more of the assignments of uplink resources, andsome information fields may be individually defined for each of theassignments of uplink resources. Alternatively, all of the informationfields may be individually defined in a joint uplink grant.

The operation(s) at block 2105 may be performed using the wirelesscommunication management module 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, or the uplink resource assignmentreception module 1535 described with reference to FIG. 14.

At block 2110, the method 2100 may include identifying a first intervalfor the uplink transmission. In some examples, the first interval may beidentified from one or more assignments received at block 2105. In someexamples, the first interval may be an interval that a base stationassigns or intends a UE performing the method 2100 to use, assuming theUE successfully contends for access to the shared radio frequencyspectrum band by an assigned or intended time. Alternatively, the firstinterval may be another interval for which the base station has providedan assignment of uplink resources (e.g., at least one subframe orfrequency subcarrier) to use for the uplink transmission. Theoperation(s) at block 2110 may be performed using the wirelesscommunication management module 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, or the first intervalidentification module 1335 or 1540 described with reference to FIG. 13or 15.

At block 2115, the method 2100 may include identifying a second intervalfor the uplink transmission. In some examples, the second interval maybe an interval that a UE performing the method 2100 will actually use,which interval is dependent on when the UE successfully contends foraccess to the shared radio frequency spectrum band. The operation(s) atblock 2115 may be performed using the wireless communication managementmodule 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described with reference to FIG. 13,14, 15, or 17, or the second interval identification module 1340 or 1545described with reference to FIG. 13 or 15.

At block 2120, the method 2100 may include comparing the first intervalwith the second interval. The operation(s) at block 2120 may beperformed using the wireless communication management module 1320, 1420,1520, or 1760 described with reference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, or theinterval comparison module 1345 or 1550 described with reference to FIG.13 or 15.

In some examples of the method 2100, the first interval may include afirst duration for the uplink transmission and the second interval mayinclude a second duration for the uplink transmission. The secondduration may be different from the first duration. In these examples,the comparing the first interval with the second interval may includecomparing the first duration for the uplink transmission to the secondduration for the uplink transmission.

At block 2125, the method 2100 may include determining uplink resourcesto use for the uplink transmission based at least in part on thecomparison of the first interval with the second interval. Thedetermining uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission mayinclude applying, to the uplink transmission, a portion of an assignmentof uplink resources associated with an interval or actual duration ofthe uplink transmission. For example, when a UE receives an assignmentof uplink resources based on an assigned or intended duration of theuplink transmission (e.g., a duration of an uplink transmission that abase station assigns or intends the UE to make), but the UE will make anuplink transmission having a shorter duration, the UE may apply, to theuplink transmission it makes, a portion of the assignment of uplinkresources (e.g., a UE may receive an assignment of uplink resourcescorresponding to an uplink transmission having a four subframe duration,but the UE may make an uplink transmission having a two subframeduration, and may therefore apply a portion of the assignment of uplinkresources to the uplink transmission it makes (e.g., a portion of theassignment corresponding to two subframes of the assignment of uplinkresources)). As another example, a UE may receive an assignment ofuplink resources corresponding to an uplink transmission having a foursubframe duration, but the UE may make an uplink transmission having aduration of two full-length subframes and one partial-length subframe.In this latter example, the UE may apply a portion of the assignment ofuplink resources to the uplink transmission it makes (e.g., a portion ofthe assignment corresponding to the two full-length subframes and theone partial-length subframe).

The operation(s) at block 2125 may be performed using the wirelesscommunication management module 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, the uplink resources determinationmodule 1350 or 1555 described with reference to FIG. 13 or 15, or theuplink resource assignment application module 1560 described withreference to FIG. 15.

In examples of the method 2100 in which more than one assignment ofuplink resources to use for the uplink transmission is received, theoperation(s) at block 2125 may also include selecting an assignment ofuplink resources to use for the uplink transmission.

After determining uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission,the method 2100 may proceed with transmitting the uplink transmissionusing the determined uplink resources.

Thus, the method 2100 may provide for wireless communication. It shouldbe noted that the method 2100 is just one implementation and that theoperations of the method 2100 may be rearranged or otherwise modifiedsuch that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 2200 forwireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. For clarity, the method 2200 is described below withreference to aspects of one or more of the UEs 115, 215, 215-a, 215-b,215-c, or 1715 described with reference to FIG. 1, 2, or 17, or aspectsof one or more of the apparatus 1315, 1415, or 1515 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, or 15. In some examples, a UE or apparatus mayexecute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements ofthe UE or apparatus to perform the functions described below.

At block 2205, the method 2200 may include receiving one or moreassignments of uplink resources to use for an uplink transmission in ashared radio frequency spectrum band. In some examples, the shared radiofrequency spectrum band may include an unlicensed radio frequencyspectrum band. In some examples, the shared radio frequency spectrumband may include a licensed radio frequency spectrum band shared by twoor more operators. The unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band may be aradio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses may need to contendfor access because the radio frequency spectrum band is available forunlicensed use, such as Wi-Fi use. The licensed radio frequency spectrumband may be a radio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses mayneed to contend for access because the radio frequency spectrum band isavailable for use by the two or more operators on a contention basis.

In some examples, the one or more assignments of uplink resources mayinclude a multi-TTI assignment of uplink resources (e.g., an assignmentfor a TB spanning multiple TTIs or subframes). In some examples, the oneor more assignments of uplink resources may include a single assignmentof uplink resources based on an interval that a base station assigns orintends a UE performing the method 2200 to use, assuming the UEsuccessfully contends for access to the shared radio frequency spectrumband by an assigned or intended time. In other examples, the one or moreassignments of uplink resources may correspond to different possibleintervals (e.g., hypotheses) that a UE may use for an uplinktransmission. In some examples, the different possible intervals mayinclude different possible durations for the uplink transmission. Forexample, for a given frame, there may be two possible durations for theuplink transmission (e.g., a one subframe duration or a two subframeduration). A base station may therefore provide explicit assignments ofuplink resources for each possible interval or duration for the uplinktransmission (e.g., a first assignment of uplink resources for the caseof a first interval having a one subframe duration, and a secondassignment of uplink resources for the case of a second interval havinga two subframe duration). In some examples, a plurality of assignmentsof uplink resources (e.g., possible durations for the uplinktransmission) may be provided as individual uplink grants. In otherexamples, a plurality of assignments of uplink resources (e.g., possibledurations for the uplink transmission) may be provided in a joint uplinkgrant. In the case of a joint uplink grant, some information fields maybe shared among two or more of the assignments of uplink resources, andsome information fields may be individually defined for each of theassignments of uplink resources. Alternatively, all of the informationfields may be individually defined in a joint uplink grant.

The operation(s) at block 2205 may be performed using the wirelesscommunication management module 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, or the uplink resource assignmentreception module 1535 described with reference to FIG. 14.

At block 2210, the method 2200 may include identifying a first intervalfor the uplink transmission. In some examples, the first interval may beidentified from one or more assignments received at block 2205. In someexamples, the first interval may be an interval that a base stationassigns or intends a UE performing the method 2200 to use, assuming theUE successfully contends for access to the shared radio frequencyspectrum band by an assigned or intended time. Alternatively, the firstinterval may be another interval for which the base station has providedan assignment of uplink resources (e.g., at least one subframe orfrequency subcarrier) to use for the uplink transmission. Theoperation(s) at block 2210 may be performed using the wirelesscommunication management module 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, or the first intervalidentification module 1335 or 1540 described with reference to FIG. 13or 15.

At block 2215, the method 2200 may include identifying a second intervalfor the uplink transmission. In some examples, the second interval maybe an interval that a UE performing the method 2200 will actually use,which interval is dependent on when the UE successfully contends foraccess to the shared radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., successfullyperforms a CCA procedure or extended CCA procedure). The operation(s) atblock 2215 may be performed using the wireless communication managementmodule 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described with reference to FIG. 13,14, 15, or 17, or the second interval identification module 1340 or 1545described with reference to FIG. 13 or 15.

At block 2220, the method 2200 may include comparing the first intervalwith the second interval. The operation(s) at block 2220 may beperformed using the wireless communication management module 1320, 1420,1520, or 1760 described with reference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, or theinterval comparison module 1345 or 1550 described with reference to FIG.13 or 15.

In some examples of the method 2200, the first interval may include afirst duration for the uplink transmission and the second interval mayinclude a second duration for the uplink transmission. The secondduration may be different from the first duration. In these examples,the comparing the first interval with the second interval may includecomparing the first duration for the uplink transmission to the secondduration for the uplink transmission.

At block 2225, the method 2200 may include determining uplink resourcesto use for the uplink transmission based at least in part on thecomparison of the first interval with the second interval. Thedetermining uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission mayinclude adjusting one or more parameters of the uplink resources to usefor the uplink transmission based at least in part on the comparison ofthe first interval with the second interval. In some examples, theadjusting may be performed autonomously by a UE. An autonomousadjustment of one or more parameters of the uplink resources may beuseful when a UE receives a single assignment of uplink resources for anuplink transmission, which single assignment of uplink resources doesnot differentiate different possible intervals (e.g., hypotheses) ofuplink transmission durations (e.g., a different uplink transmissionduration based on fewer uplink subframes or a shortened uplinksubframe).

In one example of adjusting a parameter of the uplink resources for theuplink transmission, consider the receipt of a multi-TTI assignment ofuplink resources for a TB spanning multiple subframes. When a UE makesan uplink transmission having a duration that is shorter than theassigned or intended duration of the TB, the UE may increase itstransmit power. For example, if the UE makes an uplink transmissionhaving a duration that is half the assigned or intended duration of theTB, the UE may increase its transmit power (e.g., the transmit power maybe increased by 3 dB). The UE may also or alternatively adjust (e.g.,decrease) the size of the TB or adjust a number of symbols (e.g., anSC-FDM or OFDM symbol) to align to a reference boundary (e.g., symbolperiod boundary or subframe boundary).

In another example of adjusting a parameter of the uplink resources forthe uplink transmission, when a UE makes an uplink transmission having aduration that is shorter than a duration of an uplink transmissionindicated in an assignment of uplink resources, a UE may use a higherMCS than an MCS indicated in the assignment of uplink resources.

In some examples, an autonomous adjustment of one or more parameters ofthe uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission may be based onone or more rules or a table. The one or more rules or table may in someexamples be provided to a UE by a base station, such that the basestation and the UE have access to a common set of rules or table. Insome examples, a rule or table may map a duration of an uplinktransmission to a single value for a parameter of the uplink resources(e.g., a one-to-one mapping). In other examples, a rule or table may mapa duration of an uplink transmission to a plurality of values for aparameter of the uplink resources (e.g., a one-to-many mapping). In thecase of a one-to-one mapping, the UE may adjust a single value of aparameter of the uplink resources based on an actual duration of anuplink transmission provided by the rule or table. The base station maydetermine the value of an adjusted parameter upon receiving or detectingthe actual duration of an uplink transmission. In the case of aone-to-many mapping, the UE may select a value from a plurality ofvalues of a parameter of the uplink resources based on an actualduration of an uplink transmission provided by the rule or table, andmay adjust the parameter of the uplink resources based on the selectedvalue. The base station may need to perform a blind detection todetermine the value of an adjusted parameter. Alternatively, a UE mayindicate the value of an adjusted parameter (e.g., an adjusted MCS) viasignaling (e.g., via uplink CUBS or another channel), as described withreference to block 2230.

The operation(s) at block 2225 may be performed using the wirelesscommunication management module 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, the uplink resources determinationmodule 1350 or 1555 described with reference to FIG. 13 or 15, or theuplink resource parameter adjustment module 1565 described withreference to FIG. 15.

In examples of the method 2200 in which more than one assignment ofuplink resources to use for the uplink transmission is received, theoperation(s) at block 2225 may also include selecting an assignment ofuplink resources to use for the uplink transmission.

At block 2230, the method 2200 may optionally include signaling, to abase station, an indicator that indicates a value of at least one of theadjusted one or more parameters of the uplink resources. Theoperation(s) at block 2230 may be performed using the wirelesscommunication management module 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, or the signaling module 1575described with reference to FIG. 15.

After determining uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission,the method 2200 may proceed with transmitting the uplink transmissionusing the determined uplink resources.

Thus, the method 2200 may provide for wireless communication. It shouldbe noted that the method 2200 is just one implementation and that theoperations of the method 2200 may be rearranged or otherwise modifiedsuch that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 2300 forwireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. For clarity, the method 2300 is described below withreference to aspects of one or more of the UEs 115, 215, 215-a, 215-b,215-c, or 1715 described with reference to FIG. 1, 2, or 17, or aspectsof one or more of the apparatus 1315, 1415, or 1515 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, or 15. In some examples, a UE or apparatus mayexecute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements ofthe UE or apparatus to perform the functions described below.

At block 2305, the method 2300 may include receiving one or moreassignments of uplink resources to use for an uplink transmission in ashared radio frequency spectrum band. In some examples, the shared radiofrequency spectrum band may include an unlicensed radio frequencyspectrum band. In some examples, the shared radio frequency spectrumband may include a licensed radio frequency spectrum band shared by twoor more operators. The unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band may be aradio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses may need to contendfor access because the radio frequency spectrum band is available forunlicensed use, such as Wi-Fi use. The licensed radio frequency spectrumband may be a radio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses mayneed to contend for access because the radio frequency spectrum band isavailable for use by the two or more operators on a contention basis.

In some examples, the one or more assignments of uplink resources mayinclude a multi-TTI assignment of uplink resources (e.g., an assignmentfor a TB spanning multiple TTIs or subframes). In some examples, the oneor more assignments of uplink resources may include a single assignmentof uplink resources based on an interval that a base station assigns orintends a UE performing the method 2300 to use, assuming the UEsuccessfully contends for access to the shared radio frequency spectrumband by an assigned or intended time. In other examples, the one or moreassignments of uplink resources may correspond to different possibleintervals (e.g., hypotheses) that a UE may use for an uplinktransmission. In some examples, the different possible intervals mayinclude different possible durations for the uplink transmission. Forexample, for a given frame, there may be two possible durations for theuplink transmission (e.g., a one subframe duration or a two subframeduration). A base station may therefore provide explicit assignments ofuplink resources for each possible interval or duration for the uplinktransmission (e.g., a first assignment of uplink resources for the caseof a first interval having a one subframe duration, and a secondassignment of uplink resources for the case of a second interval havinga two subframe duration). In some examples, a plurality of assignmentsof uplink resources (e.g., possible durations for the uplinktransmission) may be provided as individual uplink grants. In otherexamples, a plurality of assignments of uplink resources (e.g., possibledurations for the uplink transmission) may be provided in a joint uplinkgrant. In the case of a joint uplink grant, some information fields maybe shared among two or more of the assignments of uplink resources, andsome information fields may be individually defined for each of theassignments of uplink resources. Alternatively, all of the informationfields may be individually defined in a joint uplink grant.

The operation(s) at block 2305 may be performed using the wirelesscommunication management module 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, or the uplink resource assignmentreception module 1535 described with reference to FIG. 14.

At block 2310, the method 2300 may include identifying a first intervalfor the uplink transmission. In some examples, the first interval may beidentified from one or more assignments received at block 2305. In someexamples, the first interval may be an interval that a base stationassigns or intends a UE performing the method 2300 to use, assuming theUE successfully contends for access to the shared radio frequencyspectrum band by an assigned or intended time. Alternatively, the firstinterval may be another interval for which the base station has providedan assignment of uplink resources (e.g., at least one subframe orfrequency subcarrier) to use for the uplink transmission. Theoperation(s) at block 2310 may be performed using the wirelesscommunication management module 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, or the first intervalidentification module 1335 or 1540 described with reference to FIG. 13or 15.

At block 2315, the method 2300 may include identifying a second intervalfor the uplink transmission. In some examples, the second interval maybe an interval that a UE performing the method 2300 will actually use,which interval is dependent on when the UE successfully contends foraccess to the shared radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., successfullyperforms a CCA procedure or extended CCA procedure). The operation(s) atblock 2315 may be performed using the wireless communication managementmodule 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described with reference to FIG. 13,14, 15, or 17, or the second interval identification module 1340 or 1545described with reference to FIG. 13 or 15.

At block 2320, the method 2300 may include comparing the first intervalwith the second interval. The operation(s) at block 2320 may beperformed using the wireless communication management module 1320, 1420,1520, or 1760 described with reference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, or theinterval comparison module 1345 or 1550 described with reference to FIG.13 or 15.

In some examples of the method 2300, the first interval may include afirst duration for the uplink transmission and the second interval mayinclude a second duration for the uplink transmission. The secondduration may be different from the first duration. In these examples,the comparing the first interval with the second interval may includecomparing the first duration for the uplink transmission to the secondduration for the uplink transmission.

At block 2325, the method 2300 may include determining uplink resourcesto use for the uplink transmission based at least in part on thecomparison of the first interval with the second interval. Thedetermining uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission mayinclude selecting at least one assignment of uplink resourcescorresponding to a portion of the first interval. For example, when a UEreceives a multi-TTI assignment of uplink resources corresponding to thefirst interval, which multi-TTI assignment of uplink resources is basedon an assigned or intended duration of the uplink transmission (e.g., aduration of an uplink transmission that a base station assigns orintends the UE to make), but the UE will make an uplink transmissionhaving an actual duration that is shorter than the assigned or intendedduration (which actual duration corresponds to the second interval),then the UE may select at least one assignment of uplink resourcescorresponding to a portion of the first interval. Consider, for example,that the assigned or intended duration of the uplink transmission isfour subframes, and the actual duration of the uplink transmission istwo subframes. In such an example, the UE may select at least oneassignment of uplink resources corresponding to a first portion of thefirst interval (e.g., at least one assignment of uplink resourcescorresponding to the first two of the four subframes of the firstinterval). For example, the multi-subframe assignment apportionmentmodule 1570 may select a first assignment (e.g., a first subframeassignment) of uplink resources corresponding to the first interval.Such a selection may be advantageous, for example, if the UE was onlyscheduled to transmit in the first two subframes of the first interval(and thus, the UE may transmit the data it was assigned or intended totransmit, despite transmitting the data later than it was assigned orintended to be transmitted).

In some examples, the selecting at least one assignment of uplinkresources corresponding to a portion of the first interval may requireuse or modification of one or more parameters that are not applicable toa different subframe index. For example, it may be undesirable totransmit an SRS triggered for a first subframe of an interval during alater subframe of the interval. In the case of a PUSCH transmission, anactual PUSCH transmission may be adjusted based on an actual subframeindex (e.g., since some PUSCH parameters (e.g., PUSCH hopping, DM-RSsequence generation, etc.) may be associated with a subframe index).

The operation(s) at block 2325 may be performed using the wirelesscommunication management module 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, the uplink resources determinationmodule 1350 or 1555 described with reference to FIG. 13 or 15, or themulti-subframe assignment apportionment module 1570 described withreference to FIG. 15.

In examples of the method 2300 in which more than one assignment ofuplink resources to use for the uplink transmission is received, theoperation(s) at block 2325 may also include selecting an assignment ofuplink resources to use for the uplink transmission.

After determining uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission,the method 2300 may proceed with transmitting the uplink transmissionusing the determined uplink resources.

Thus, the method 2300 may provide for wireless communication. It shouldbe noted that the method 2300 is just one implementation and that theoperations of the method 2300 may be rearranged or otherwise modifiedsuch that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 2400 forwireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. For clarity, the method 2400 is described below withreference to aspects of one or more of the UEs 115, 215, 215-a, 215-b,215-c, or 1715 described with reference to FIG. 1, 2, or 17, or aspectsof one or more of the apparatus 1315, 1415, or 1515 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, or 15. In some examples, a UE or apparatus mayexecute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements ofthe UE or apparatus to perform the functions described below.

At block 2405, the method 2400 may include receiving one or moreassignments of uplink resources to use for an uplink transmission in ashared radio frequency spectrum band. In some examples, the shared radiofrequency spectrum band may include an unlicensed radio frequencyspectrum band. In some examples, the shared radio frequency spectrumband may include a licensed radio frequency spectrum band shared by twoor more operators. The unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band may be aradio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses may need to contendfor access because the radio frequency spectrum band is available forunlicensed use, such as Wi-Fi use. The licensed radio frequency spectrumband may be a radio frequency spectrum band for which apparatuses mayneed to contend for access because the radio frequency spectrum band isavailable for use by the two or more operators on a contention basis.

In some examples, the one or more assignments of uplink resources mayinclude a multi-TTI assignment of uplink resources (e.g., an assignmentfor a TB spanning multiple TTIs or subframes). In some examples, the oneor more assignments of uplink resources may include a single assignmentof uplink resources based on an interval that a base station assigns orintends a UE performing the method 2300 to use, assuming the UEsuccessfully contends for access to the shared radio frequency spectrumband by an assigned or intended time. In other examples, the one or moreassignments of uplink resources may correspond to different possibleintervals (e.g., hypotheses) that a UE may use for an uplinktransmission. In some examples, the different possible intervals mayinclude different possible durations for the uplink transmission. Forexample, for a given frame, there may be two possible durations for theuplink transmission (e.g., a one subframe duration or a two subframeduration). A base station may therefore provide explicit assignments ofuplink resources for each possible interval or duration for the uplinktransmission (e.g., a first assignment of uplink resources for the caseof a first interval having a one subframe duration, and a secondassignment of uplink resources for the case of a second interval havinga two subframe duration). In some examples, a plurality of assignmentsof uplink resources (e.g., possible durations for the uplinktransmission) may be provided as individual uplink grants. In otherexamples, a plurality of assignments of uplink resources (e.g., possibledurations for the uplink transmission) may be provided in a joint uplinkgrant. In the case of a joint uplink grant, some information fields maybe shared among two or more of the assignments of uplink resources, andsome information fields may be individually defined for each of theassignments of uplink resources. Alternatively, all of the informationfields may be individually defined in a joint uplink grant.

The operation(s) at block 2405 may be performed using the wirelesscommunication management module 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, or the uplink resource assignmentreception module 1535 described with reference to FIG. 15.

At block 2410, the method 2400 may include identifying a first intervalfor the uplink transmission. In some examples, the first interval may beidentified from one or more assignments received at block 2405. In someexamples, the first interval may be an interval that a base stationassigns or intends a UE performing the method 2400 to use, assuming theUE successfully contends for access to the shared radio frequencyspectrum band by an assigned or intended time. Alternatively, the firstinterval may be another interval for which the base station has providedan assignment of uplink resources (e.g., at least one subframe orfrequency subcarrier) to use for the uplink transmission. Theoperation(s) at block 2410 may be performed using the wirelesscommunication management module 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, or the first intervalidentification module 1335 or 1540 described with reference to FIG. 13or 15.

At block 2415, the method 2400 may include identifying a second intervalfor the uplink transmission. In some examples, the second interval maybe an interval that a UE performing the method 2400 will actually use,which interval is dependent on when the UE successfully contends foraccess to the shared radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., successfullyperforms a CCA procedure or extended CCA procedure). The operation(s) atblock 2415 may be performed using the wireless communication managementmodule 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described with reference to FIG. 13,14, 15, or 17, or the second interval identification module 1340 or 1545described with reference to FIG. 13 or 15.

At block 2420, the method 2400 may include comparing the first intervalwith the second interval. The operation(s) at block 2420 may beperformed using the wireless communication management module 1320, 1420,1520, or 1760 described with reference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, or theinterval comparison module 1345 or 1550 described with reference to FIG.13 or 15.

In some examples of the method 2400, the first interval may include afirst duration for the uplink transmission and the second interval mayinclude a second duration for the uplink transmission. The secondduration may be different from the first duration. In these examples,the comparing the first interval with the second interval may includecomparing the first duration for the uplink transmission to the secondduration for the uplink transmission.

At block 2425, the method 2400 may include determining uplink resourcesto use for the uplink transmission based at least in part on thecomparison of the first interval with the second interval. Thedetermining uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission mayinclude selecting at least one assignment of uplink resources based atleast in part on a subframe index associated with the first interval.For example, when a UE receives a multi-TTI assignment of uplinkresources corresponding to the first interval, which multi-TTIassignment of uplink resources is based on an assigned or intendedduration of the uplink transmission (e.g., a duration of an uplinktransmission that a base station assigns or intends the UE to make), butthe UE will make an uplink transmission having an actual duration thatis shorter than the assigned or intended duration (which actual durationcorresponds to the second interval), then the UE may select at least oneassignment of uplink resources based at least in part on a subframeindex associated with the first interval. Consider, for example, thatthe assigned or intended duration of the uplink transmission is foursubframes, and the actual duration of the uplink transmission is twosubframes. Also consider that the four subframes in the assigned orintended duration of the uplink transmission are respectively associatedwith subframe indexes SF_5, SF_6, SF_7, and SF_8, and that the uplinktransmission to be transmitted by a UE will begin in a subframe havingsubframe index SF_7. In such an example, the UE may select theassignments of uplink resources corresponding to subframe indexes SF_7and SF_8 of the first interval.

Selecting at least one assignment of uplink resources based at least inpart on a subframe index associated with the first interval may betteralign an uplink transmission with an original intention of a basestation (e.g., in terms of PHICH resource management (e.g., for uplinksynchronization HARQ), based on a starting PRB and cyclic shift used bya DM-RS, or in terms of PUSCH hopping (e.g., if tied with a subframeindex)). Such a selection may be advantageous when multi-TTI schedulingfor a UE is such that the UE is scheduled to transmit in all uplinksubframes of the first interval. When the UE is not scheduled totransmit in all uplink subframes, selection of one or more assignmentsof uplink resources corresponding to later subframes in the firstinterval may result in the UE not being able to transmit data.

The operation(s) at block 2425 may be performed using the wirelesscommunication management module 1320, 1420, 1520, or 1760 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 17, the uplink resources determinationmodule 1350 or 1555 described with reference to FIG. 13 or 15, or themulti-subframe assignment apportionment module 1570 described withreference to FIG. 15.

In examples of the method 2400 in which more than one assignment ofuplink resources to use for the uplink transmission is received, theoperation(s) at block 2425 may also include selecting an assignment ofuplink resources to use for the uplink transmission.

After determining uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission,the method 2400 may proceed with transmitting the uplink transmissionusing the determined uplink resources.

Thus, the method 2400 may provide for wireless communication. It shouldbe noted that the method 2400 is just one implementation and that theoperations of the method 2400 may be rearranged or otherwise modifiedsuch that other implementations are possible.

In some examples, aspects of one or more of the methods 1900, 2000,2100, 2200, 2300, or 2400 described with reference to FIG. 19, 20, 21,22, 23, or 24 may be combined. For example, the method 2300 describedwith reference to FIG. 23 and the method 2400 described with referenceto FIG. 24 may be combined such that a selection of at least oneassignment of uplink resources may be made in accordance with theoperation(s) described with reference to block 2325 or the operation(s)described with reference to block 2425. The selection of at least oneassignment of uplink resources may be based at least in part on whethera UE is scheduled to transmit in all subframes of a first interval(e.g., in all subframes of an assigned or intended interval). When theUE is scheduled to transmit in all subframes of the first interval, theselection of at least one assignment of uplink resources may be made inaccordance with the operation(s) described with reference to block 2425.When the UE is not scheduled to transmit in all subframes of the firstinterval, the selection of at least one assignment of uplink resourcesmay be made in accordance with the operation(s) described with referenceto block 2325. Alternatively, a base station may indicate to the UEwhether the UE should make a selection of at least one assignment ofuplink resources in accordance with the operation(s) described withreference to block 2325 or the operation(s) described with reference toblock 2425.

In any of the methods 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, or 2400 describedwith reference to FIG. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24, it may be desirable tokeep uplink transmit power the same across different subframes of anuplink transmission. In some examples, a UE may be configured to assumethat the uplink power control commands in an assignments of uplinkresources corresponding to an interval that a base station assigns orintends the UE to use are valid and apply them accordingly, even when anactual duration of an uplink transmission by the UE is shorter than anassigned or intended duration of the uplink transmission. In someexamples, an uplink power control adjustment for an uplink transmissionmay only be made once, at the beginning of an uplink transmission. Thus,it may be expected in these examples that there is one power controlcommand for the duration of the uplink transmission, and the powercontrol command may be applied to the uplink transmission regardless ofthe actual duration of the uplink transmission.

In any of the methods 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, or 2400 describedwith reference to FIG. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24, the application of oneor more assignments of uplink resources to an uplink transmission havingan actual duration that is shorter than an assigned or intended durationmay result in the uplink transmission not being made. In these examples,and when an uplink transmission falls under a measurement gap, a currenttransmission number (CURRENT_TX_NB) parameter may be incremented,counting against a maximum number of uplink retransmissions for a TBconfigured for a UE. In other examples, the CURRENT_TX_NB parameter maynot be incremented when an uplink transmission is not made.

In any of the methods 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, or 2400 describedwith reference to FIG. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24, PHICH may be used fornon-adaptive uplink re-transmissions (e.g., synchronous uplink HARQ).When an actual duration of an uplink transmission is shorter than anassigned or intended duration of the uplink transmission, andconsequently, there is a lesser number of uplink TBs, a UE may treat theTBs of missed uplink transmissions as if an ACK has been received forthe TBs of the missed uplink transmissions. When there is a possibilityof ACK/NAK bundling, a UE may assume that the TBs of the missed uplinktransmissions are not involved in the ACK/NAK bundling (andequivalently, the ACK/NAK bundling may assume that the TBs of the misseduplink transmissions are ACKed).

The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appendeddrawings describes examples and does not represent the only examplesthat may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. Theterms “example” and “exemplary,” when used in this description, mean“serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred”or “advantageous over other examples.” The detailed description includesspecific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of thedescribed techniques. These techniques, however, may be practicedwithout these specific details. In some instances, well-known structuresand apparatuses are shown in block diagram form in order to avoidobscuring the concepts of the described examples.

Information and signals may be represented using any of a variety ofdifferent technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions,commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may bereferenced throughout the above description may be represented byvoltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles,optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

The various illustrative blocks and modules described in connection withthe disclosure herein may be implemented or performed with ageneral-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, anFPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processormay be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may beany conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or statemachine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination ofcomputing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor,multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunctionwith a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, softwareexecuted by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. Ifimplemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may bestored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on anon-transitory computer-readable medium. Other examples andimplementations are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure andappended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, functionsdescribed above can be implemented using software executed by aprocessor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any ofthese. Features implementing functions may also be physically located atvarious positions, including being distributed such that portions offunctions are implemented at different physical locations. Also, as usedherein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of itemsprefaced by “at least one of” indicates a disjunctive list such that,for example, a list of “at least one of A, B, or C” means A or B or C orAB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C).

Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media andcommunication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of acomputer program from one place to another. A storage medium may be anyavailable medium that can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation,computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storagedevices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desiredprogram code means in the form of instructions or data structures andthat can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer,or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Also, any connectionis properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if thesoftware is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote sourceusing a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digitalsubscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio,and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair,DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave areincluded in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein,include compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatiledisc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproducedata magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.Combinations of the above are also included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable aperson skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Variousmodifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may beapplied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scopeof the disclosure. Throughout this disclosure the term “example” or“exemplary” indicates an example or instance and does not imply orrequire any preference for the noted example. Thus, the disclosure isnot to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is tobe accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novelfeatures disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for wireless communication, comprising:identifying, by a user equipment (UE), a first interval for an uplinktransmission in a shared radio frequency spectrum band; identifying, bythe UE, a second interval for the uplink transmission; comparing, by theUE, the first interval with the second interval; determining, by the UE,uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission based at least inpart on the comparison of the first interval with the second interval;and transmitting, by the UE, the uplink transmission using thedetermined uplink resources.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein theshared radio frequency spectrum band comprises an unlicensed radiofrequency spectrum band.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the sharedradio frequency spectrum band comprises a licensed radio frequencyspectrum band shared by two or more operators.
 4. The method of claim 1,further comprising: receiving at least one assignment of uplinkresources to use for the uplink transmission.
 5. The method of claim 4,further comprising: performing a clear channel assessment (CCA) toidentify the second interval.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the CCAcomprises an extended CCA.
 7. The method of claim 4, wherein thedetermining uplink resources comprises: applying, to the uplinktransmission, a subset of an assignment of uplink resources associatedwith a duration of the uplink transmission.
 8. The method of claim 4,wherein the determining uplink resources comprises: adjusting one ormore parameters of the uplink resources to use for the uplinktransmission based at least in part on the comparison of the firstinterval with the second interval.
 9. The method of claim 8, furthercomprising: signaling, to a base station, an indicator that indicates avalue of at least one of the adjusted one or more parameters of theuplink resources.
 10. The method of claim 4, wherein the determininguplink resources comprises: applying at least one assignment of uplinkresources corresponding to a portion of the first interval.
 11. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the determining uplink resources comprises:applying at least one assignment of uplink resources based at least inpart on a subframe index associated with the first interval.
 12. Themethod of claim 1, further comprises: receiving a plurality ofassignments of uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission; andwherein the determining uplink resources comprises selecting anassignment from the plurality of assignments of uplink resources to usefor the uplink transmission.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein thefirst interval comprises a first duration for the uplink transmissionand the second interval comprises a second duration for the uplinktransmission, the second duration being different from the firstduration.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the first intervalcomprises a plurality of subframes.
 15. An apparatus for wirelesscommunication, comprising: a processor; memory in electroniccommunication with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory,the instructions being executable by the processor to: identify, by theapparatus, a first interval for an uplink transmission in a shared radiofrequency spectrum band; identify, by the apparatus, a second intervalfor the uplink transmission; compare, by the apparatus, the firstinterval with the second interval; determine, by the apparatus, uplinkresources to use for the uplink transmission based at least in part onthe comparison of the first interval with the second interval; andtransmit, by the apparatus, the uplink transmission using the determineduplink resources.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the sharedradio frequency spectrum band comprises an unlicensed radio frequencyspectrum band.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the shared radiofrequency spectrum band comprises a licensed radio frequency spectrumband shared by two or more operators.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15,wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to: receive atleast one assignment of uplink resources to use for the uplinktransmission.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the instructionsexecutable by the processor to determine uplink resources compriseinstructions executable by the processor to: apply, to the uplinktransmission, a subset of an assignment of uplink resources associatedwith a duration of the uplink transmission.
 20. The apparatus of claim18, wherein the instructions executable by the processor to determineuplink resources comprise instructions executable by the processor to:adjust one or more parameters of the uplink resources to use for theuplink transmission based at least in part on the comparison of thefirst interval with the second interval.
 21. The apparatus of claim 18,wherein the instructions executable by the processor to determine uplinkresources comprise instructions executable by the processor to: apply atleast one assignment of uplink resources corresponding to a portion ofthe first interval.
 22. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein theinstructions executable by the processor to: receive a plurality ofassignments of uplink resources to use for the uplink transmission; andwherein the instructions executable by the processor to determine uplinkresources comprise instructions executable by the processor to select anassignment from the plurality of assignments of uplink resources to usefor the uplink transmission.